A Critical-Care Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Diagnosed with Pneumonia

A critical-care nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with pneumonia as a surgical complication. The nurses assessment reveals that the patient has an increased work of breathing due to copious tracheobronchial secretions. What should the nurse encourage the patient to do?

A) Increase oral fluids unless contraindicated.
B) Call the nurse for oral suctioning, as needed.
C) Lie in a low Fowlers or supine position.
D) Increase activity.