A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient cannot develop an effective cough. Which of the following would you recommend to help this patient generate a more effective cough?
1) Enhancing expiratory flow by bending forward at the waist
2) Using short, expiratory bursts or the "huffing" method
3) Using only moderate (as opposed to full) inspiration
4) Having the patient "tense" the neck muscles while coughing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option 1, bending forward at the waist, can enhance expiratory flow and make it easier for the patient to cough, while option 2, using short, expiratory bursts or the "huffing" method, can help the patient generate a more effective cough. Option 3, using only moderate inspiration, can help reduce the risk of over-inflation of the lungs and subsequent air trapping, which is common in COPD patients. However, option 4, having the patient "tense" the neck muscles while coughing, is not recommended as it may lead to increased intra-thoracic pressure, increased air trapping, and ultimately more difficulty in breathing.

A Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patient Cannot Develop an Effective