A nurse is preparing an adolescent client who has pneumonia for percussion, vibration, and postural drainage. Prior to the procedure, which of the following nursing actions should the nurse complete first?

Choice A rationale
Maintaining a semi-Fowler’s position can help improve lung expansion and ease breathing in clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it does not directly address the issue of mucus congestion and difficulty in expectorating (bringing up) mucus.
While positioning can aid in overall respiratory comfort, it is not the most effective intervention for managing mucus congestion in COPD clients.
Choice B rationale
A low-salt diet is beneficial for overall health and can help manage conditions such as hypertension and heart disease. However, it does not have a direct impact on mucus congestion in clients with COPD. Dietary modifications are important for managing comorbidities, but they do not address the primary concern of mucus clearance in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily is an effective intervention for managing mucus congestion in clients with COPD. Adequate hydration helps thin the mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways. This intervention directly addresses the client’s complaint of difficulty in expectorating mucus and can improve respiratory function and comfort.
Choice D rationale
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min can help improve oxygenation in clients with COPD. However, it does not address the issue of mucus congestion and difficulty in expectorating mucus. While supplemental oxygen is important for managing hypoxemia, it is not the primary intervention for mucus clearance. The focus should be on interventions that help thin and mobilize mucus to alleviate the client’s symptoms.

Choice A rationale
Acetylcysteine is used to treat acetaminophen overdose and does not reverse the effects of heparin.
Choice B rationale
Protamine sulfate is the specific antidote for heparin and is used to reverse its anticoagulant effects.

Choice C rationale
Deferasirox is used to treat chronic iron overload and does not reverse the effects of heparin.
Choice D rationale
Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin, not heparin.