Which sign indicates successful relief of ineffective airway clearance in a postoperative patient?

Which sign indicates successful relief of ineffective airway clearance in a postoperative patient?

• A. The patient drinks 2–3 L of fluid in 24 hours.
• B. The patient uses the spirometer 10 times every hour.
• C. The patient’s breath sounds are clear to auscultation.
• D. The patient’s temperature is less than 100.4 F orally.

Answer: (C)

Clear breath sounds on auscultation indicate that airways are open and secretions are no longer obstructing airflow, showing that airway clearance has been effective. When lungs are well-ventilated with minimal adventitious sounds, it reflects improved mucociliary clearance and a reduced risk of atelectasis. Hydration helps thin secretions but isn’t a direct sign of current airway clearance status; incentive spirometry is a preventive measure to maintain lung expansion, not a direct indicator of clearance success; fever less than 100.4°F isn’t a reliable sign of airway clearance and can be influenced by other postoperative factors.

Clear breath sounds on auscultation indicate that airways are open and secretions are no longer obstructing airflow, showing that airway clearance has been effective. When lungs are well-ventilated with minimal adventitious sounds, it reflects improved mucociliary clearance and a reduced risk of atelectasis. Hydration helps thin secretions but isn’t a direct sign of current airway clearance status; incentive spirometry is a preventive measure to maintain lung expansion, not a direct indicator of clearance success; fever less than 100.4°F isn’t a reliable sign of airway clearance and can be influenced by other postoperative factors.