Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) experiencing difficulty breathing due to increased secretions?

Rationale: A. Applying a cold compress to the chest does not relieve dyspnea or help mobilize secretions. B. Lying flat worsens breathing by reducing lung expansion; COPD patients should be positioned upright to ease ventilation. C. Administering bronchodilators as prescribed is the most appropriate intervention because bronchodilators relax airway smooth muscle, reduce bronchospasm, and improve airflow, helping the patient clear secretions more effectively. D. Fluid intake should be increased to 2,000–2,500 mL/day (unless contraindicated) to thin secretions; reducing to 500 mL daily would worsen secretion clearance.