Breathing retraining: frequent, short deep breathing practice (breath stacking, segmental expansion) and incentive spirometry — coached sets hourly while awake.
Supported coughing: teach and practise huffing and splinted cough (pillow/hand support) to clear secretions while minimising pain.
Positioning: upright sitting, lean‑forward during episodes of dyspnoea, use thoracic expansion on the affected zones.
Early mobilisation: progressive plan: sit out of bed → transfer practice → short supervised walks, increasing distance as tolerated; monitor SpO₂ and symptoms.
Pain liaison: escalate analgesia if pain limits mobilisation/airway clearance (liaise with medical team).
Monitoring: watch for oxygen desaturation, increased work of breathing or febrile signs suggesting consolidation.

Learning Resources