A client with persistent cough is complaining of severe pain when coughing. The nurse would instruct the client to do which of the following comfort measures?
A)Elevate the head of bed to 15 to 30-degrees
B)Restrict fluid consumption
C)Hold in coughing
D)Splint the chest wall with a pillow

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Splinting the chest wall with a pillow decreases discomfort. The head of the bed must be elevated to at least 45-degrees to allow lung expansion. Restricting fluid consumption can thicken and immobilize the secretions, and holding in the cough can cause more pain; therefore, these instructions are inappropriate.

A Client with Persistent Cough Is Complaining of Severe Pain