Which measure is likely most effective in reducing pleuritic chest pain in a client with pneumonia?

Teaching the client to splint the rib cage when coughing is likely the most effective measure in reducing pleuritic chest pain associated with pneumonia. Pleuritic chest pain typically arises due to inflammation of the pleura, the membranes surrounding the lungs, which can be exacerbated by deep breathing or coughing.

By instructing the client to splint the rib cage when they cough, it helps to stabilize the affected area and provide extra support, thereby reducing pain during the cough reflex. This technique allows the patient to cough more effectively while minimizing discomfort, which is important for facilitating better ventilation and clearing of mucus, ultimately aiding in the recovery from pneumonia.

The other measures may not provide the same level of direct relief from pleuritic chest pain. Encouraging shallow breathing could inadvertently increase discomfort by not allowing for adequate lung expansion, which is essential for healing. Practicing abdominal breathing, while beneficial for lung function, does not specifically target splinting the area of pain. Offering incentive spirometry encourages deeper breaths to expand the lungs but may still induce pain during coughing if not managed with proper support.