What is an important consideration when performing chest physiotherapy?

An important consideration when performing chest physiotherapy is to administer bronchodilator medication 30 minutes to 1 hour before the procedure. This timing allows the bronchodilator to help open up the airways, making it easier for mucus to be mobilized and cleared from the lungs during the therapy. By relaxing the airway muscles, the medication enhances ventilation and improves the overall effectiveness of chest physiotherapy, leading to better outcomes in secretion clearance and respiratory function.

In contrast, scheduling chest physiotherapy immediately before meals may lead to discomfort or difficulty during the session, potentially impairing the effectiveness of the therapy. Percussing only one lung at a time may not adequately facilitate the overall clearance of secretions from both lungs. Performing the therapy without percussion could diminish its effectiveness, since percussion is a key technique used to loosen mucus in the airway for easier clearance.