A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about palliative care. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A. Helping the client select a low-salt diet:
This option is not directly related to addressing tenacious bronchial secretions in COPD. While a low-salt diet may be beneficial for managing conditions like hypertension or heart failure, it does not directly influence the viscosity of bronchial secretions.

B. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min:
Oxygen therapy is important for clients with COPD, especially during exacerbations or periods of hypoxemia. However, in this scenario, the client's primary concern is tenacious bronchial secretions, and oxygen therapy alone may not effectively address this issue.

C. Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily:
This is the correct answer. Increasing fluid intake helps to hydrate the mucous membranes and thin bronchial secretions, making them easier to expectorate. Adequate hydration is essential for optimizing the clearance of secretions in clients with COPD.

D. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position as often as possible:
While maintaining a semi-Fowler's position can improve respiratory mechanics and reduce dyspnea in clients with COPD, it does not directly address the issue of tenacious bronchial secretions. This position primarily helps in optimizing lung expansion and facilitating easier breathing.

A) Allow the client to rest for 10 to 15 seconds after each suctioning attempt: Allowing the client to rest between suctioning attempts helps to minimize hypoxemia and reduces the risk of trauma to the airway mucosa. It also allows the client to recover from the physiological stress of suctioning before initiating another attempt.

C) Apply suction for less than 10 seconds: Prolonged suctioning can lead to hypoxemia and tissue trauma. The nurse should limit suctioning to less than 10 seconds per pass to minimize these risks and prevent complications such as mucosal damage and bleeding.

B) Set the suction pressure to 110 mm Hg: The appropriate suction pressure for endotracheal suctioning depends on various factors, including the client's age, condition, and clinical status. While suction pressures of 80 to 120 mm Hg are commonly used for adults, the specific pressure setting should be individualized based on the client's needs and should not exceed the safe range to prevent mucosal injury or hypoxemia.

D) Apply suction when inserting the catheter: Suction should be applied only during withdrawal of the catheter to minimize the risk of mucosal trauma and hypoxemia. Applying suction during catheter insertion can increase the risk of airway trauma and should be avoided.