Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

Which action should a nurse take to promote thinning of respiratory secretions in a client with pneumonia?

1. Encourage coughing and deep breathing.

2. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently.

3. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.

4. Encourage regular use of the incentive spirometer.

The correct answer is: Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.

Promoting the thinning of respiratory secretions in a client with pneumonia is vital for improving airway clearance and respiratory function. Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake is correct because adequate hydration helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expectorate. When the body is well-hydrated, the secretions become less viscous, which can aid in alleviating congestion and reducing the effort required to cough up mucus. Increasing fluid intake is particularly important in the context of pneumonia, as patients may experience fever, leading to fluid loss and dehydration. By encouraging higher fluid consumption—whether through water, broth, or other fluids—the nurse supports the client’s overall respiratory health while also addressing potential dehydration caused by the illness. Other actions, while beneficial for respiratory health and comfort, do not specifically target the goal of thinning secretions in the same direct manner. Coughing and deep breathing can help clear existing secretions but do not necessarily affect their consistency. Frequent ambulation is excellent for overall physical health and lung expansion but does not directly impact mucus viscosity. Using an incentive spirometer encourages deep inhalation and helps prevent atelectasis, yet it similarly does not have the direct effect of thinning mucus.