Question

When caring for a patient who had a C8 spinal cord injury 10 days ago and has a weak cough effort, bibasilar crackles, and decreased breath sounds, the initial intervention by the nurse should be to

a. administer oxygen at 7 to 9 L/min with a face mask.
b. place the hands on the epigastric area and push upward when the patient coughs.
c. encourage the patient to use an incentive spirometer every 2 hours during the day.
d. suction the patient's oral and pharyngeal airway.

Answer 1

The initial nursing intervention for a C8 spinal cord injury patient with a weak cough is to perform an abdominal thrust during coughing to increase expiratory force.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a patient with a C8 spinal cord injury who exhibits a weak cough effort, bibasilar crackles, and decreased breath sounds, the initial nursing intervention should be to place the hands on the epigastric area and push upward when the patient coughs. This assistive technique is known as an abdominal thrust, which can help increase the expiratory force of the cough and clear secretions. Administering oxygen, using an incentive spirometer, or suctioning may be appropriate at other times but based on the immediate presentation and risk for aspiration or infection from retained secretions, the abdominal thrust during coughing is the most directly beneficial intervention.