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?

A. Encourage coughing and deep breathing: This technique helps mobilize secretions and improve lung expansion but does not directly thin secretions. It is supportive for airway clearance, yet hydration is more effective for thinning mucus consistency. B. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake: Adequate hydration helps liquefy and thin respiratory secretions, making them easier to expectorate. Increased fluid intake is a primary intervention for promoting secretion clearance in clients with pneumonia. C. Encourage regular use of the incentive spirometer: Incentive spirometry supports lung expansion and prevents atelectasis but does not significantly impact secretion viscosity. It is important for respiratory health but not the best measure for thinning mucus. D. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently: Ambulation improves ventilation and circulation, which aids overall recovery. However, it does not directly thin respiratory secretions, though it can complement hydration in promoting airway clearance.