Which nursing intervention is appropriate for rhinosinusitis?

• A. Humidification
• B. Intravenous antibiotics
• C. Low-sodium diet
• D. High-intensity exercise

Answer: (A)

Maintaining humidified air helps with rhinosinusitis by keeping the nasal and sinus mucosa moist, which thin the secretions and support mucociliary clearance. When secretions are less viscous, drainage from the sinuses improves, reducing obstruction and facial pain. Humidification can be delivered with a humidifier, steam inhalation, or warm mist, and can be paired with saline irrigation as appropriate.

Other options are less aligned with symptom relief. Intravenous antibiotics are a pharmacologic treatment reserved for suspected or confirmed bacterial sinusitis or severe illness, not a routine nursing intervention for symptom relief. A low-sodium diet doesn’t directly affect sinus inflammation or drainage, and high-intensity exercise can irritate the irritated mucosa and may worsen symptoms.