cupping and vibrating

cupping and vibrating,

a technique for dislodging and removing mucus and fluid from the lungs. See also percussion.

method Cupping consists of the rhythmic percussion of the affected segments of the lungs or bronchi by the practitioner's cupped hands. It is begun gently and is increased in forcefulness as the patient tolerates increased percussion. To perform vibrating, the practitioner places his or her hands over the affected area and alternately tenses and contracts the muscles of the hand, arm, and shoulder. The vibratory movements are transmitted to the patient's chest, increasing the turbulence and velocity of exhaled air in the small bronchi. See also postural drainage.

interventions Cupping is never performed over breast tissue, over the spine, or below the ribs because it causes discomfort and can damage soft tissue. After head-down postural drainage with cupping and vibrating, the patient is helped to a position favorable for effective coughing and asked to breathe deeply at least three times and to cough at least twice.

outcome criteria Thick, tenacious mucus is difficult to evacuate from the bronchi, the bronchioles, and the alveoli. As an adjunct to postural drainage, cupping and vibrating may greatly facilitate clearing the passages. The patient can breathe more deeply and with less effort, and the potential for development of pneumonia or atelectasis is reduced.