A 3-year-old client with cystic fibrosis is admitted to receive intravenous antibiotics for a respiratory infection. Which intervention is most important to include in the plan of care?

• A. Chest percussion and postural drainage.
• B. High-fat diet.
• C. Helmet therapy.
• D. Limit physical activity.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is promoting airway clearance to reduce mucus plugging and improve ventilation during a CF flare. Chest percussion and postural drainage—often part of chest physiotherapy—physically loosens thick mucus and helps move it toward the upper airways where it can be coughed up or cleared. In a child with CF who is receiving IV antibiotics for a respiratory infection, this intervention directly supports lung function, helps prevent atelectasis, and allows better delivery of antibiotics to the infected areas.

While nutrition matters over the long term, and a high-fat diet is important for meeting the increased caloric needs of CF patients, it doesn’t address the acute need to clear airways during an infection. Helmet therapy isn’t a standard approach for managing CF respiratory infections, and limiting physical activity would likely hinder mucus clearance rather than help it. Encouraging appropriate activity and optimizing airway clearance are more aligned with improving the child’s respiratory status during this admission.