The nurse is teaching a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about huff coughing to clear secretions. During the patient’s return demonstration, the patient exhales using pursed lips. What should the nurse do next?

Choice A rationale Huff coughing is a method that forces mucus up your throat by breathing it in, holding it, and actively exhaling. It’s different from a typical cough and more effective in clearing mucus from the lungs. Pursed-lip breathing, which the patient is doing, is not part of the huff coughing technique. Choice B rationale Taking several shallow breaths before the next exhalation is not part of the huff coughing technique. The technique involves taking a slow and deep breath until your lungs are about 75% full, holding your breath for two to three seconds, and then exhaling slowly but strongly. Choice C rationale Instructing the patient to inhale deeply and then quickly and forcefully exhale 2 to 3 times is the correct method for huff coughing. This technique helps to move mucus from the smaller airways to the larger ones, making it easier to cough up and out. Choice D rationale Positioning the patient in the semi-Fowler’s position and applying oxygen is not part of the huff coughing technique. While oxygen therapy can be beneficial for patients with COPD, it does not directly aid in the huff coughing technique.