Question

A client suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complains that it is hard to cough up secretions and they are thick and sticky. The nurse should instruct the client to

a) Decrease exercise and increase rest periods
b) Take a cough suppressant to decrease coughing
c) Increase her fluid intake to thin secretions
d) Eat small frequent meals to conserve energy

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to increase her fluid intake to thin secretions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should instruct the client to increase her fluid intake to thin the secretions. Thick and sticky secretions can make it difficult to cough up mucus, so increasing fluid intake can help to thin the secretions and make them easier to expel. This can be done by drinking plenty of fluids such as water, herbal tea, and warm broths. It is important to stay hydrated to maintain respiratory health in cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).