A 55 year-old female admitted to the hospital for management of pneumonia and fever in the setting of ongoing chemotherapy for treatment of recurrent lung cancer.

The patient is a 55 year-old female admitted to the hospital for management of pneumonia and fever in the setting of ongoing chemotherapy for treatment of recurrent lung cancer. Following administration of two doses of IV antibiotics, X-ray findings were consistent with resolving consolidation. Further, radiographic evidence suggested favorable response of the diffuse cancerous nodules to current chemotherapy. Blood elements are within ranges permissible for therapy. 

Critical Thinking Questions:

Is a cough justified?  If, so which cough is most appropriate?

Is postural drainage/percussion/vibration justified? Explain. 

What breathing exercise(s) are indicated given the case?

What intervention(s) to promote endurance would you select?  Why?     

What factors would indicate that the activity selected was dosed for a cardiopulmonary endurance response as compared to a muscular strength response?

How would the interventions selected above be sequenced? 

How and at what intervals would your patient be monitored?  What parameters would you use to determine when a rest is indicated or when termination of therapy indicated?