Implementation of 3% Hypertonic Saline Inhalation Therapy and Chest Physiotherapy for Managing Ineffective Airway Clearance in Pediatric Bronchopneumonia: A Case Study

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Bronchopneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children. Airway secretion retention may result in ineffective airway clearance. The combination of 3% NaCl inhalation therapy and chest physiotherapy provides complementary mechanisms to liquefy, mobilize, and facilitate the removal of airway secretions. This study aimed to describe changes in airway clearance following the implementation of combined 3% NaCl inhalation therapy and chest physiotherapy in a child with bronchopneumonia. A single-case study was conducted involving a 22-month-old child diagnosed with bronchopneumonia and the nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance. The intervention consisted of nebulized 4 mL of 3% NaCl combined with chest physiotherapy, administered twice daily for three consecutive days. Nebulization was performed for 15 minutes, followed by 10–15 minutes of chest physiotherapy. Clinical evaluations were conducted before and after each intervention. Primary outcomes included oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, adventitious breath sounds, and secretion clearance. After three days of intervention, oxygen saturation increased from 87% to 97%, respiratory rate decreased from 47 to 32 breaths/min, and heart rate decreased from 106 to 98 beats/min. Bilateral rhonchi diminished, signs of increased work of breathing were no longer observed, and cough effectiveness and secretion clearance improved. The combination of 3% NaCl inhalation therapy and chest physiotherapy may improve respiratory status and airway clearance in children with bronchopneumonia and ineffective airway clearance when used as an adjunct to standard medical treatment.