The LPN is reinforcing teaching for a client with a chest tube. The client asks, "Why do I need to cough and take deep breaths? It hurts so much."
What is the best response by the nurse?
- "It's just what the doctor ordered for you to do."
- "These exercises help your lung to expand and push the air and fluid out." (correct answer)
- "If you don't do them, you could get a serious infection."
- "We can give you pain medicine so it won't hurt when you cough."
Explanation: The correct answer is B. This response provides a clear and simple rationale for why coughing and deep breathing are necessary, connecting the action to the goal of care (lung re-expansion). A is dismissive and non-therapeutic. C is true (it helps prevent pneumonia) but can be fear-inducing; B focuses on the positive goal. D is also important and should be offered, but it doesn't answer the client's question about why the exercises are needed.