Which action is most important to help a patient with thick lung secretions expel mucus?

• A. Humidify oxygen delivery
• B. Administer cough suppressant
• C. Teach patient to splint the affected area
• D. Increase fluid intake to 3 L/day if tolerated

Answer: (D)

Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for clearing thick lung secretions because fluids thin mucus, reducing its viscosity and enhancing the body’s ability to cough it up and clear the airways. While humidifying inspired air can help keep secretions moist, it doesn’t directly thin mucus as effectively as increasing overall fluid intake. A cough suppressant would reduce the cough reflex needed to expel mucus, making clearance harder. Teaching the patient to splint the chest can aid comfort during coughing but doesn’t boost mucus clearance itself. Therefore, encouraging an increased fluid intake to a tolerated level is the most effective single action to facilitate mucus expulsion.