What action promotes respiratory hygiene for a coughing patient with an undiagnosed respiratory infection?

The action that promotes respiratory hygiene for a coughing patient with an undiagnosed respiratory infection is asking the patient to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue. This practice is vital as it helps to contain respiratory droplets that may be released during coughing or sneezing, thereby reducing the spread of infectious agents to others in the vicinity. Covering the mouth and nose creates a barrier, which not only protects those nearby but also serves as a reminder for the patient to consider hygiene in their respiratory practices.

While requesting the patient to wear a mask is also effective in preventing the spread of infection, it assumes availability of masks and proper use. Similarly, instructing the patient to stay away from others is important for minimizing risk but does not directly address the immediate situation of coughing. Providing cough syrup, although it may relieve the patient's symptoms, does not have a role in controlling the spread of infection and focuses instead on symptom management rather than infection control. Therefore, encouraging the patient to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue directly addresses respiratory hygiene effectively in this context.