How should you treat a patient with a decreased cough reflex?

When treating a patient with a decreased cough reflex, utilizing suctioning as needed is an appropriate response. The cough reflex plays a critical role in protecting the airway by clearing secretions and preventing aspiration. A decreased cough reflex can lead to the accumulation of secretions in the airway, increasing the risk of aspiration and respiratory distress.

Suctioning serves to mechanically remove any secretions that the patient may not be able to expel on their own. This intervention helps maintain a clear airway and enhances the patient's ability to breathe more effectively. It is especially important in patients who have impaired consciousness or neurologic issues that affect their ability to cough.

While encouraging hydration is beneficial for overall health and can thin secretions, it does not directly address the immediate need for airway clearance. Administering bronchodilators is appropriate in cases of airway constriction but does not tackle the issue of secretion clearance. Performing abdominal thrusts is used for choking situations where the airway is partially or completely obstructed; it is not indicated for managing decreased cough reflexes. Suctioning directly supports the airway management needs of such patients, making it the most effective choice in this case.