Nursing Interventions for Cough: Techniques to Clear Airways and Manage Symptoms

Evidence-Based Nursing Interventions for Cough

• Encourage effective coughing: Teach deep breathing and huff coughing techniques.
• Assist with airway clearance: Manual chest physiotherapy (percussion, vibration, postural drainage) or mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (cough assist) device if patient cannot cough effectively.
• Optimize positioning: Semi-Fowler's or high-Fowler's position to maximize lung expansion.
• Humidification: Heated humidified oxygen or room humidifier to thin secretions.
• Medications as ordered: Mucolytics (acetylcysteine), bronchodilators, antitussives (if cough is nonproductive and exhausting), or antibiotics for infection.
• Hydration: Encourage oral fluids (unless contraindicated) to thin mucus.
• Breathing exercises: Incentive spirometry, diaphragmatic breathing.
• Avoid irritants: Smoke, dust, strong fumes.
• Monitor respiratory status: SpO₂, respiratory rate, work of breathing, lung sounds.
• Report changes: Notify provider for new/worsening cough, hemoptysis, fever, or hypoxia.