Which airway clearance device is recommended for patients post-surgery experiencing pain?

The choice of autogenic drainage (AD) for patients post-surgery who are experiencing pain is particularly salient because this technique is designed to promote effective airway clearance without requiring significant effort or causing additional discomfort. Autogenic drainage involves various phases of breathing at different lung volumes, allowing patients to mobilize secretions effectively.

This method can be tailored to the individual’s needs and can be practiced at a comfortable pace, making it suitable for patients recovering from surgery who may have limited mobility or who experience pain with other, more physically demanding airway clearance techniques. Since it relies on the patient’s ability to perform controlled breathing exercises rather than forced maneuvers, it minimizes the risk of inducing pain while still achieving the goal of secretion clearance.

In contrast, other airway clearance devices may require more effort or may not be as well tolerated by patients experiencing postoperative pain. Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) devices, while useful, may not provide the same level of discomfort mitigation. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE) can be effective for mobilizing secretions but might be more invasive and uncomfortable for patients post-surgery. Finally, the Forced Expiratory Technique (FET) may involve more exertion or coughing that could exacerbate pain after