Ineffective airway clearance is the inability to clear secretions or obstructions from the respiratory tract. This can be detrimental to breathing and create complications.

Secretions can be problematic as a result of a condition such as cystic fibrosis or related to an inability to clear secretions such as with a stroke deficit or the presence of a tracheostomy.

Nurses understand the most important aspects of care include maintaining the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).

Nurses must be vigilant in assessing for airway obstruction and implementing interventions to prevent worsening secretions.

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