A patient who had a C7 spinal cord injury 1 week ago has a weak cough effort and crackles. The initial intervention by the nurse should be to

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Because the cough effort is poor,the initial action should be to use assisted coughing techniques to improve the patient's ability to mobilize secretions. The use of the spirometer may improve respiratory status,but the patient's ability to take deep breaths is limited by the loss of intercostal muscle function. Suctioning may be needed if the patient is unable to expel secretions by coughing but should not be the nurse's first action. The health care provider should be notified if airway clearance interventions are not effective or additional collaborative interventions are needed.

A Patient Who Had a C7 Spinal Cord Injury 1