"I could get you something for the cough. I'm guessing that hurts?" Yes, he'd heard the rattling, sighing at the state of this place, if they couldn't even diagnose a respiratory infection.
"I know how awful playing along with the bullshit can be, but sometimes there's just not a better way." That got him a look by an approaching nurse, who stopped by to less-than-politely ask to speak to him privately. "Bite me, candy-striper." He couldn't help but smile at that; he'd been wanting to say that to one of his own rehab nurses.