A patient has a diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance as evidenced by the inability to clear thick secretions effectively. The nursing intervention that would appropriate for this patient would be

Question

1. encourage increased fluid intake to 2 liters per day if not contraindicated.
2. encourage bed rest to conserve energy.
3. assist with coughing and deep breathing every 4 hours while the patient is awake.
4. maintain heavy sedation to decrease oxygen demand.

Correct

Answer 1

1.

Rationale: The nurse should encourage increased fluids to hydrate and decrease tenacious mucus. Increased activity and early ambulation are encouraged to mobilize secretions. Bedrest and heavy sedation will impair the patient's ability to clear secretions. Coughing and deep breathing should be encouraged every 1 to 2 hours while the patient is awake.