Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy Practice Test

Producing a productive cough relies on creating a strong, sudden expiratory flow that clears secretions through the glottis. Extrathoracic tracheal pressure does this by briefly compressing the trachea above the sternum during exhalation, which increases intrathoracic pressure and generates a more forceful cough. This targeted increase in expiratory flow directly facilitates coughing to mobilize and clear airway secretions, especially in patients with a weak cough.

Manual ventilation delivers breaths but doesn’t specifically enhance the cough mechanism. Change of position and postural drainage help mobilize and drain secretions through gravity and chest mechanics, but they don’t primarily produce a cough.