In the care of a patient with cystic fibrosis, which intervention is recommended before chest physiotherapy?

• A. Diet high in fat calories and proteins
• B. Bronchodilators before chest physiotherapy
• C. Pancreatic enzyme supplements with all meals and snacks
• D. Recurrent respiratory infections

Answer: (B)

Giving a bronchodilator before chest physiotherapy helps open the airways and makes mucus clearance more effective. In cystic fibrosis, thick, sticky mucus can narrow the airways; performing chest physiotherapy once the airways are dilated allows better airflow distribution and more efficient percussion and coughing to mobilize the secretions. It also reduces the risk of bronchospasm that can be triggered by airway stimulation during therapy. Nutrition strategies and pancreatic enzyme supplements are important for overall health and digestion, but they don’t prepare the airways for immediate clearance. Recurrent infections describe a condition, not a pre-therapy intervention.