How should a post-operative patient manage coughing after a craniotomy?

The best approach for a post-operative patient after a craniotomy is to deep breathe but avoid coughing. This method is crucial because coughing can increase intracranial pressure, which poses a significant risk to a patient who has just undergone surgery on the brain.

Deep breathing exercises help promote lung expansion, increase oxygenation, and facilitate the clearance of secretions without the added risk of raising pressure in the cranial cavity. While cough reflex is important for clearing secretions, it needs to be carefully managed in this context to ensure the patient's safety and prevent complications.

The other choices present methods that can either be unsafe or less effective in managing post-operative care in this specific situation. Therefore, focusing on deep breathing while avoiding coughing is the most appropriate strategy for patients recovering from such a delicate procedure.