Question

A post-operative thoracic surgery patient is having difficulty developing an effective cough. The respiratory therapist should recommend all of the following techniques to aid this patient in generating a more effective cough EXCEPT:

1) coordinating coughing with pain medication
2) performing serial coughs
3) applying pressure to patient's abdomen during exhalation
4) splinting the incision area

Answer 1

The respiratory therapist would advise the patient against applying pressure to the abdomen during exhalation, as this technique is not suitable for thoracic post-operative care and could potentially cause harm.

Step-by-step explanation:

The respiratory therapist would recommend several techniques to help a post-operative thoracic surgery patient develop a more effective cough. To achieve this, the patient should be encouraged to coordinate coughing with pain medication, which will help manage pain during coughing efforts. Serial coughs are also recommended to increase the expulsion force of the cough. Splinting the incision area could provide support during coughing, reducing discomfort and allowing for a more effective cough.

However, it is not recommended to apply pressure to the patient's abdomen during exhalation as this technique is used in abdominal surgeries and could potentially cause harm rather than assist coughing in thoracic post-operative care. This process, known as the abdominal thrust, differs from the other techniques listed which are supportive and appropriate for thoracic post-operative patients.