Which nursing assessment finding would suggest that the patient's ineffective airway clearance has improved?

A. Increased sputum viscosity: Higher thickness of bronchial secretions makes expectoration more difficult and increases the likelihood of airway obstruction. It indicates a worsening of the patient's ability to clear the tracheobronchial tree effectively. This finding is often associated with dehydration or advancing pulmonary pathology. B. Decreased lung crackles: The reduction of adventitious sounds indicates that secretions are being cleared from the smaller airways and alveoli. This signifies improved ventilation and a return to normal laminar airflow within the bronchopulmonary segments. It reflects successful clearance of obstructive exudates or fluids. C. Increased body temperature: Pyrexia typically suggests an active inflammatory or infectious process such as pneumonia. Elevated metabolic rates associated with fever can increase oxygen demand and complicate respiratory distress. It does not provide evidence that the physical obstruction of the airway has been resolved. D. Evidence of cyanosis: A bluish discoloration of the skin indicates severe hypoxemia and inadequate gas exchange. It is a late sign of respiratory failure and confirms that the airway or alveolar ventilation is critically compromised. This finding suggests a decline in clinical status rather than improvement.