What device can be used to help a patient remove secretions with a strong cough?

The correct answer is the vibratory PEP (acapella) device. This device is designed to assist patients in mobilizing and removing secretions from their airways. By providing positive expiratory pressure and creating vibrations in the airway, the acapella helps to loosen mucus, making it easier for patients to expel it through a strong cough. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where mucus clearance is essential for maintaining lung function.

This device combines the principles of positive pressure and oscillation, thus enhancing the cough effectiveness and improving pulmonary hygiene. The ability to adjust the frequency and resistance makes it versatile for different patients and their specific needs.

In contrast, an incentive spirometer is primarily used for lung expansion and does not specifically aid in mucus clearance; it encourages deep breathing to prevent atelectasis rather than helping a patient expectorate secretions.

An airway clearance vest uses high-frequency chest wall oscillation to mobilize secretions, but it does not directly encourage a strong cough like the vibratory PEP device does.

Manual chest physiotherapy involves hands-on techniques to help clear secretions, but it can be more labor-intensive and dependent on the