How can a nurse best promote optimal breathing in a patient with limited lung expansion?

Encouraging cough and deep breathing exercises is the best way to promote optimal breathing in a patient with limited lung expansion. These exercises help to expand the lungs, facilitate the clearance of secretions, and improve ventilation. When patients take deep breaths, they can fully inflate their alveoli, which promotes better oxygen exchange. Moreover, cough exercises help in clearing mucus that can obstruct airways and lead to respiratory complications, thereby enhancing overall lung function.

In scenarios where lung expansion is limited, such as after surgery or due to certain medical conditions, simple interventions like deep breathing and coughing exercises can significantly impact respiratory health and prevent complications such as atelectasis or pneumonia. This proactive approach encourages patients to actively participate in their recovery, making it a vital component of postoperative care.