A patient admitted with acute respiratory failure has ineffective airway clearance related to thick secretions. Which nursing intervention would specifically address this patient problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because the reason for the poor airway clearance is the thick secretions,the best action will be to encourage the patient to improve oral fluid intake. Patients should be instructed to use the incentive spirometer on a regular basis (e.g.,every hour)to facilitate the clearance of the secretions. The other actions may also be helpful in improving the patient's gas exchange,but they do not address the thick secretions that are causing the poor airway clearance.

A Patient Admitted with Acute Respiratory Failure Has Ineffective Airway