Which sign indicates successful relief of ineffective airway clearance in a postoperative patient?

• A. The patient drinks 2–3 L of fluid in 24 hours.
• B. The patient uses the spirometer 10 times every hour.
• C. The patient’s breath sounds are clear to auscultation.
• D. The patient’s temperature is less than 100.4 F orally.

Answer: (C)

Clear breath sounds on auscultation indicate that airways are open and secretions are no longer obstructing airflow, showing that airway clearance has been effective. When lungs are well-ventilated with minimal adventitious sounds, it reflects improved mucociliary clearance and a reduced risk of atelectasis. Hydration helps thin secretions but isn’t a direct sign of current airway clearance status; incentive spirometry is a preventive measure to maintain lung expansion, not a direct indicator of clearance success; fever less than 100.4°F isn’t a reliable sign of airway clearance and can be influenced by other postoperative factors.