The nurse is planning care for an 81-year-old unresponsive client admitted to the hospital with a medical diagnosis of pneumonia. The nurse has identified the problem of inability to clear the airway related to retained secretions. Which intervention is most appropriate?

A. Initiate and maintain supplemental oxygen as prescribed: Supplemental oxygen helps improve oxygenation but does not directly address the underlying issue of retained secretions. Oxygen delivery is important, but secretion removal is the priority when the airway is obstructed. B. Plan activities with rest periods to conserve oxygen needs: While energy conservation is useful for managing oxygen demand in alert clients, it does not apply to an unresponsive client. Additionally, it does not assist with clearing the airway or managing retained secretions. C. Provide nasotracheal suctioning as needed to remove secretions: Suctioning is the most appropriate intervention for an unresponsive client with retained secretions, as they are unable to cough or clear their own airway. This intervention directly supports airway clearance and improves ventilation. D. Monitor oxygenation (the oxygen saturation [SaO2]) during activity: Monitoring oxygen saturation is helpful for evaluating respiratory status, but this intervention does not address the immediate problem of retained secretions compromising airway clearance.