Question

Which of the following interventions facilitates the removal of airway secretions collected centrally?

• A. Suctioning
• B. Incentive spirometry
• C. Manual percussion
• D. Pursed lip breathing
• E.

Hint:

Suctioning is a key technique for clearing airway secretions, especially when they are difficult to expel through coughing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Role of Airway Clearance Interventions.
Airway clearance interventions aim to remove mucus/secretions for improved breathing. This is vital for individuals with respiratory conditions such as COPD or pneumonia.
Step 2: Analysis of Options.
- (1) Suctioning: Correct. This is the most direct method for removing airway secretions, particularly those centralized in the trachea or upper airways.
- (2) Incentive spirometry: Incorrect. This promotes deep breathing and lung expansion but does not directly clear secretions.
- (3) Manual percussion: Incorrect. While it can loosen secretions, it is less effective for removal than suctioning.
- (4) Pursed lip breathing: Incorrect. This improves ventilation and reduces dyspnea but does not directly aid in secretion removal.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct intervention is (1) suctioning, as it is the most effective method for clearing centrally accumulated airway secretions.