During an assessment, a patient begins to cough. What should the nurse realize about this finding?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coughing indicates that something other than air was entering the larynx, which can be a sign of aspiration or other respiratory issues. This finding should be further assessed and reported to the healthcare provider. A cough is not necessarily indicative of a cold or nervousness. The epiglottis is not typically involved in coughing.

During an Assessment, a Patient Begins to Cough