The patient is complaining of feeling congested.After assessing the patient,the nurse places the patient in the proper position and claps her cupped hands against the patient's thorax.She does this because she is aware that ______________ assists in loosening retained secretions from the airway.

Retained Secretions

Secretions that are not adequately cleared from the body, often referring to mucus or fluid in the lungs.

Thorax

The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, encased by the ribs and containing the heart and lungs.

Congested

Refers to an area or organ being overly filled or crowded, often leading to a blockage or accumulation, such as in the nasal passages or roads.