Question

For a female patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which nursing intervention would help maintain a patent airway?

A. Restricting fluid intake to 1,000 ml per day
B. Enforcing absolute bed rest
C. Teaching the patient how to perform controlled coughing
D. Administering prescribe sedatives regularly and in large amounts

Answer 1

The nursing intervention that would help maintain a patent airway in a female patient with COPD is teaching the patient how to perform controlled coughing. This technique aids in clearing mucus from the airways, which is essential in managing the reduced airflow associated with COPD.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a female patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the nursing intervention that would help maintain a patent airway is teaching the patient how to perform controlled coughing. Controlled coughing is an important technique as it helps to clear mucus from the airways without causing undue fatigue or airway collapse. It enables efficient expulsion of secretions, which is critical in the management of COPD, a condition characterized by poor airflow and difficulty in expelling air from the lungs.

Thinning and loosening mucus is key to effective coughing. Adequate hydration can contribute to this, making secretions easier to clear. Hydration, the use of humidifiers, and certain medications that act as expectorants can assist in this process. Patients are also advised against using cough suppressants in the case of a productive cough, to ensure that mucus can be cleared from the airways.