In a client with COPD. an ineffective cough impedes secretion removal. This. in turn. causes mucus plugging. which leads to localized airway obstruction a known cause of atelectasis. An ineffective cough doesnt cause pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the pleural space). Pulmonary edema usually results from left-sided heart failure. not an ineffective cough. Although many noncardiac conditions may cause pulmonary edema. an ineffective cough isnt one of them. Oxygen toxicity results from prolonged administration of high oxygen concentrations. not an ineffective cough.
