A postoperative patient says it hurts too much to deep breathe and cough every 2 hours and refuses to carry out the activity. The best initial action by the nurse is to

Question

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Teaching the patient about the reason for the deep breathing and coughing will be likely to improve compliance and decrease the risk for complications. Turning side-to-side will not be as effective in preventing postoperative complications. The health care provider may need to help reinforce the need for coughing and deep breathing, but this should not be the initial action by the nurse. Documentation is important but is not an adequate response to the situation.

A Postoperative Patient Says It Hurts Too Much to Deep