A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed nebulized Acetylcysteine for thick respiratory secretions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure effective secretion clearance after administration of the medication?

A. Instruct the patient to limit their fluid intake: Limiting fluids can worsen secretion thickness and impair mucociliary clearance. Hydration is essential for thinning secretions and supporting the action of mucolytics like Acetylcysteine. B. Perform chest physiotherapy: Chest physiotherapy, including percussion and postural drainage, helps mobilize loosened secretions following Acetylcysteine administration. This facilitates airway clearance and improves ventilation and oxygenation. C. Instruct the patient to avoid coughing to prevent airway irritation: Coughing is a natural and beneficial response that helps expel mucus after mucolytic therapy. Inhibiting the cough reflex can lead to secretion retention and airway obstruction. D. Administer a bronchodilator: While bronchodilators may be helpful in patients with bronchospasm, they are not required after every dose of Acetylcysteine. Chest physiotherapy is more directly effective in clearing mucus after mucolytic administration.