A 60-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of bilateral lower lobe pneumonia is brought to the emergency department

An assessment reveals a temperature of 38.5° C (101.3° F), a respiratory rate of 35 breaths/min, a pulse of 115 beats/min, and decreased breath sounds in both lower lobes; furthermore, she is not alert. What type of therapy should the respiratory therapist suggest?
a. Incentive spirometry
b. Deep-breathing exercises
c. Positive expiratory pressure
d. Intermittent positive-pressure breathing

ANS: D
The patient's ability to ventilate and cough effectively is compromised because she is not alert. Because of this, incentive spirometry, deep-breathing exercises, and positive expiratory pressure are not appropriate therapies. Intermittent positive-pressure breathing is appropriate because she is not alert.