When handling a patient with significant coughing during nebulizer treatment, what is the primary course of action?

Encouraging the patient to cough during nebulizer treatment is the primary course of action when significant coughing occurs. Coughing can aid in the clearance of secretions from the airway, which can be important for patients with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By facilitating the expulsion of mucus or other obstructions, coughing can improve airway patency and enhance the effectiveness of the nebulized medication.

In this context, stopping the treatment may prevent the patient from benefiting from the medication being administered, while increasing the flow rate or administering additional bronchodilators without addressing the immediate issue of coughing may not resolve the underlying problem of airway secretions. Thus, encouraging the patient to cough allows for a proactive approach to manage the situation effectively.