To thin secretions and facilitate expectoration in pneumonia, what is recommended?

• A. Limit fluids
• B. Increase fluids
• C. Avoid coughing
• D. Dry mouth care only

Answer: (B)

Increasing fluids helps thin respiratory secretions, making them easier to expectorate and enabling clearer airways in pneumonia. When adequately hydrated, mucus becomes less viscous and the mucociliary clearance system works more effectively, so coughing brings up secretions more productively and improves gas exchange. Therefore, encouraging increased fluid intake (oral and, if needed, IV) is the best approach. Limiting fluids would make secretions thicker and harder to clear, while simply drying the mouth or avoiding coughing isn’t sufficient to promote clearance. If there are conditions like heart failure or kidney disease, adjust and monitor fluid status accordingly.