The practical nurse (PN) is assisting a client to cough and deep breathe following surgery. To facilitate effective coughing, the PN should assist the client to assume which position?

A. Sitting on side of bed with feet flat on the floor: Sitting upright with feet supported allows maximum lung expansion and diaphragmatic movement, facilitating effective deep breathing and coughing. This position also promotes airway clearance and reduces the risk of postoperative complications like atelectasis. B. Left-lateral with pillow between flexed knees: Lateral positioning may be comfortable for rest but does not optimize lung expansion or coughing efficiency. It can limit diaphragmatic movement and the force generated during a cough. C. Lying prone with the head turned to one side: The prone position restricts lung expansion and is uncomfortable for many postoperative clients. It is not conducive to effective coughing or deep breathing exercises. D. Leaning forward over the bedside table: While this position may slightly assist in coughing, it does not provide as stable or effective support for diaphragmatic movement as sitting upright with feet flat, which promotes maximal lung expansion.