A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has rhonchi throughout the lung fields and a chronic, nonproductive cough. Which nursing intervention will be most effective?
a. Change the oxygen flow rate to the highest prescribed rate.
b. Teach the patient to use the Flutter airway clearance device.
c. Reinforce the ongoing use of pursed lip breathing techniques.
d. Teach the patient about consistent use of inhaled corticosteroids.
ANS: B
Airway clearance devices assist with moving mucus into larger airways where it can more easily be expectorated. The other actions may be appropriate for some patients with COPD, but they are not indicated for this patient's problem of thick mucus secretions.
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