A nurse is caring for a client who has an oxygen saturation of 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Coughing every 4 hours may help with secretion clearance but is not sufficient for immediate hypoxia. B. Decreasing the head of the bed can impair lung expansion and worsen oxygenation. C. Requesting an opioid is inappropriate unless pain management is needed; opioids can depress respiratory drive and worsen hypoxia. D. Encouraging deep breathing promotes alveolar expansion and improved oxygenation, which is an appropriate initial action for a client with an oxygen saturation of 88%, indicating hypoxemia.