A patient is getting discharged from a skilled nursing facility (SNF). The patient has a history of severe COPD and PVD. The patient is primarily concerned about his ability to breathe easily. Which of the following would be the best instruction for this patient?
A. Deep breathing techniques to increase oxygen levels.
B. Cough regularly and deeply to clear airway passages.
C. Cough following bronchodilator utilization.
D. Decrease CO2 levels by increased oxygen take output during meals.
Correct Answer: C. Cough following bronchodilator utilization
The bronchodilator will allow a more productive cough.
Option A: Deep breathing exercises can help the client’s lungs from becoming more damaged. When one has healthy lungs, breathing is natural and easy. You breathe in and out with the diaphragm doing about 80 percent of the work to fill the lungs with a mixture of oxygen and other gases, and then send the waste gas out.
Option B: Coughing may help clear the airway, however, it may not be as effective as taking bronchodilators. Coughing moves mucus out of the large airways. However, moving mucus out of the small airways requires airway clearance techniques (ACTs). This is why coughing should be done with other ACTs.
Option D: Changing the level of oxygen at home without asking the healthcare provider is not recommended.