What strategies are most appropriate for a post-abdominal surgery patient experiencing pain during coughing?

In the context of a post-abdominal surgery patient who is experiencing pain during coughing, the strategy of splinting and cough coordination is particularly suitable. Splinting refers to the technique of using a pillow or a hand to support the abdomen while coughing. This provides comfort and reduces the pain associated with incisional pressures during the coughing effort.

Cough coordination involves timing the cough with exhalation and using techniques that facilitate effective coughing without excessive strain. Together, these strategies help to optimize the patient's ability to clear secretions or protect the airway while minimizing discomfort, which is crucial in the recovery process following abdominal surgery.

The other strategies may not address the patient's primary concern of pain effectively. For example, forced expiratory techniques might not provide the necessary support to alleviate pain, and gentle secretion mobilization could be less effective without addressing the pain during the coughing reflex. High-frequency chest wall oscillation may not directly help with pain management during coughing efforts. Thus, splinting and cough coordination stands out as the most appropriate intervention in this scenario.