When Caring for a Patient Who Had a C8 Spinal

Multiple Choice

When caring for a patient who had a C8 spinal cord injury 10 days ago and has a weak cough effort, bibasilar crackles, and decreased breath sounds, the initial intervention by the nurse should be to

A) administer oxygen at 7 to 9 L/min with a face mask.
B) place the hands on the epigastric area and push upward when the patient coughs.
C) encourage the patient to use an incentive spirometer every 2 hours during the day.
D) suction the patient's oral and pharyngeal airway.