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?

Choice A reason: Ambulation promotes lung expansion but does not directly thin secretions. Increased fluid intake hydrates respiratory mucus, facilitating expectoration in pneumonia. Mobility is beneficial but secondary to hydration for secretion management, making this less effective for the specific goal. Choice B reason: Coughing and deep breathing mobilize secretions but do not thin them. Fluid intake reduces mucus viscosity, easing expectoration in pneumonia. While coughing aids clearance, thinning secretions is the primary need, making this a supportive but not primary action. Choice C reason: Encouraging increased fluid intake thins respiratory secretions by hydrating mucus, making it easier to cough up in pneumonia. Adequate hydration reduces viscosity, improving airway clearance, aligning with treatment goals, making this the most effective nursing action. Choice D reason: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion, preventing atelectasis, but does not thin secretions. Fluid intake directly reduces mucus viscosity, aiding clearance in pneumonia. Spirometry is beneficial but not specific to secretion thinning, making this less appropriate.