The nurse is planning care for a 70-year-old patient newly admitted with a medical diagnosis of pneumonia and a nursing diagnosis of Ineffective Airway Clearance.Which is the nurse's priority intervention?

A) Teach the importance of pneumonia immunization.
B) Teach coughing and deep breathing exercises.
C) Position to optimize maximum ventilation.
D) Encourage use of incentive spirometer to increase deep breathing.

Although teaching the patient the importance of receiving immunizations is important,it is not the priority with a newly admitted patient.Teaching coughing and deep breathing exercises is high on the priority list,but it is not the top priority.The highest priority is to optimize ventilation as soon as the patient is admitted.Only when the patient is adequately oxygenating can other interventions be addressed.Use of an incentive spirometer will promote deep breathing,which will help to mobilize secretions,but is not the top priority intervention at this time.