A nurse is educating a client who has congested lungs how to keep secretions thin, and more easily coughed up and expectorated. What would be one self-care measure to teach?
A) Limit oral intake of fluids to less than 500 mL per day.
B) Increase oral intake of fluids to two to three quarts per day.
C) Maintain bed rest for at least three days.
D) Take warm baths every night for a week.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing oral intake of fluids to two to three quarts per day helps to keep secretions thin, making them easier to cough up and expectorate. Limiting oral intake of fluids to less than 500 mL per day can lead to dehydration and thickening of secretions, worsening the condition. Bed rest and warm baths do not have a direct impact on thinning secretions.

A Nurse Is Educating a Client Who Has Congested Lungs