Which breathing technique should a nurse teach a patient for effective coughing post-surgery?

Teaching the patient to take three deep breaths and then cough from the chest is an effective technique for post-surgery recovery for several reasons. Deep breathing helps expand the lungs, promotes lung expansion, and improves oxygenation. After surgery, especially abdominal or thoracic procedures, patients may experience shallow breathing due to pain or discomfort. By encouraging deep breathing, the nurse helps the patient combat potential post-operative complications such as atelectasis (collapse of the lung) and pneumonia.

Following the deep breaths with a cough helps to mobilize secretions from the airways, which is also crucial for maintaining clear air passages and facilitating effective gas exchange in the lungs. Coughing from the chest is specifically emphasized because it helps utilize the larger muscles of the thorax rather than solely relying on abdominal muscles, which may not be recommended if abdominal surgery has occurred. Overall, this method supports better respiratory function and aids in recovery after surgery.