A client who is postoperative from day 1 following abdominal surgery experiences excruciating pain when he tries to perform the deep breathing and coughing exercises he was taught
What should the nurse do to reduce the client's discomfort when coughing? A) Administer prescribed pain medication just before coughing.
B) Ask the client to drink plenty of water before coughing.
C) Ask the client to lie in a lateral position when coughing.
D) Administer analgesia 30 minutes before attempting to cough.
D
Feedback:
Coughing is painful for clients with abdominal or chest incisions. Administering pain medication approximately 30 minutes before coughing, or splinting the incision when coughing, can reduce discomfort. Making the client lie in a lateral position or asking the client to drink plenty of water is not helpful because it will make breathing and coughing even more difficult for the client.
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