A client with chronic bronchitis tells the home health nurse of being exhausted all day due to coughing all night and being unable to sleep. The client can feel thick mucus in the chest and throat. Which interventions can the nurse suggest to help mobilize secretions and improve sleep? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by excessive mucus production, chronic cough, and recurrent respiratory tract infections. Interventions to help reduce viscosity of mucus, facilitate secretion removal, and promote comfort include the following: Increasing oral fluids to 2-3 L/day if not contraindicated prevents dehydration and keeps secretions thin Cool mist humidifier increases room humidity of inspired air Guaifenesin (Robitussin) is an expectorant that reduces the viscosity of thick secretions by increasing respiratory tract fluid; drinking a full glass of water after taking the medication is recommended. Abdominal breathing with the huff, a forced expiratory cough technique, is effective in mobilizing secretions into the large airways so that they can be expectorated huff Chest physiotherapy (postural drainage, percussion, vibration) Airway clearance handheld devices, which use the principle of positive expiratory pressure to help loosen secretions when the client exhales through the mouthpiece (Option E) Pursed lip breathing prolongs exhalation, reduces air trapping in the lungs, and decreases dyspnea. It does not help to thin secretions. Pursed lip breathing Educational objective: Interventions to help reduce viscosity of mucus, facilitate secretion removal, and promote comfort in clients with chronic bronchitis include the following: Increasing oral fluids to 2-3 L/day if not contraindicated Cool mist humidifier to increase room humidity Guaifenesin (Robitussin), an expectorant, to reduce viscosity of secretions Huff coughing

A Client with Chronic Bronchitis Tells the Home Health Nurse