What is the nursing intervention of coughing?
The nursing interventions for coughing are as follows:
- Encourage the patient to cough to clear their airways.
- If the patient is unable to cough effectively, assist with coughing by providing manual chest physiotherapy or using a mechanical cough assist device.
- Position the patient in a semi-Fowler's position to facilitate coughing.
- Provide humidified oxygen to thin secretions and make them easier to cough up.
- Administer medications as prescribed to suppress coughing or to thin secretions.
- Encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and to thin secretions.
- Teach the patient how to perform deep breathing exercises to help clear their airways.
- Avoid exposure to irritants that can trigger coughing, such as smoke, dust, and pollen.
- Monitor the patient's respiratory status and oxygen saturation levels.
- Notify the healthcare provider of any changes in the patient's respiratory status.