In a patient with pneumonia, which intervention helps with airway clearance?

Suctioning at the bedside is an effective intervention for promoting airway clearance in a patient with pneumonia. This procedure involves using a specialized suctioning device to remove mucus, secretions, and other obstructions from the airways. When patients have pneumonia, they often experience increased mucus production and difficulty clearing these secretions due to inflammation and infection in the lungs. By using suction, healthcare providers can help maintain airway patency, improve breathing efficiency, and enhance overall respiratory function. This intervention is particularly critical in patients who may be unable to effectively cough or mobilize secretions on their own, thus supporting their recovery and preventing complications such as atelectasis or further lung infections.

The other choices, while they may play roles in patient care, do not directly support airway clearance. Bed rest can promote recovery by reducing exertion but does not actively assist in clearing the airways. Providing high-calorie snacks may support overall nutrition and energy levels, which is important for recovery but does not address airway clearance directly. Administering oral steroids can help reduce inflammation but does not mechanically assist in clearing secretions from the airways.