For a child with cystic fibrosis, which intervention is essential to improve airway clearance?

• A. Chest percussion and postural drainage.
• B. Oxygen therapy only.
• C. Intravenous hydration only.
• D. Strict bed rest.

Answer: (A)

Airway clearance techniques are crucial in cystic fibrosis because the thick, sticky mucus blocks airways and impairs gas exchange. Chest percussion and postural drainage directly address this by loosening secretions and guiding them toward the larger airways to be expelled. Chest percussion uses rhythmic tapping to shake mucus loose, while postural drainage positions the body so gravity helps drain secretions from specific lung regions. Combined, these techniques improve airway patency, ventilation, and reduce infection risk.

Other options don’t directly clear mucus. Oxygen therapy helps with blood oxygen levels but doesn’t remove or mobilize the mucus. Intravenous hydration alone can thin mucus but doesn’t provide a structured method to clear the airways. Strict bed rest reduces overall lung movement and is not an effective airway clearance strategy.