A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote thinning of respiratory secretions?

Placing the client in a prone position improves oxygenation and ventilation by reducing lung compression, increasing lung expansion, and redistributing blood flow to better match ventilation.

a) Administering low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula is not sufficient for a client with ARDS, who requires
high levels of oxygenation and positive pressure ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse and hypoxemia.
b) Offering high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods frequently is beneficial for a client with ARDS, as it provides adequate nutrition and energy to support lung healing and prevent muscle wasting. However, it is not the priority intervention for improving respiratory function.
d) Encouraging oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of fluids per day is contraindicated for a client with ARDS, who is at risk of fluid overload and pulmonary edema. Fluid intake should be restricted and diuretics should be administered as prescribed to reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Repositioning the client is the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as chest burning may indicate that the chest tube is kinked, twisted, or compressed, which can impair drainage and ventilation. The nurse should gently move the client to a different position and check that the chest tube is not bent or occluded by clothing, bedding, or furniture. The nurse should also ensure that there are no dependent loops or coils in the tubing and that it is secured to prevent dislodgment.

a) Increasing the client's wall suction is not advisable, as it can cause increased negative pressure in the pleural space and lead to tension pneumothorax. Increasing the wall suction does not affect the patency of the chest tube or the drainage of air or fluid from the lung. The nurse should maintain the wall suction at the prescribed level and monitor for any changes in the suction chamber.
c) Clamping the client's chest tube is not advisable, as it can cause air or fluid accumulation in the pleural space and lead to tension pneumothorax. Clamping the chest tube does not relieve chest burning or improve drainage or ventilation. The nurse should only clamp the chest tube for a brief period of time and under specific circumstances, such as changing the drainage system, assessing for an air leak, or preparing for chest tube removal.
d) Stripping the client's chest tube is not advisable, as it can cause increased negative pressure in the pleural space and lead to tissue damage or bleeding. Stripping the chest tube involves applying manual pressure along the tubing to force out any clots or debris that may obstruct drainage. However, this practice is not recommended, as it can cause more harm than good. The nurse should only milk the chest tube gently and intermittently if ordered by the provider and if there is evidence of obstruction.