Nursing Care Management of Pneumonia with Ineffective Airway Clearance in an 8-Month-Old Infant: A Case Report of Chest Physiotherapy Intervention

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia in infants causes ineffective airway clearance due to increased secretion production and impaired ventilation. Risk factors including malnutrition, incomplete immunization, and poor environmental conditions increase susceptibility to severe disease. Objective: This case report describes the application of chest physiotherapy (clapping) in nursing are management of an 8-month-old infant with pneumonia and ineffective airway clearance. Methods: A systematic nursing process approach was applied with daily assessment of respiratory status, oxygen saturation, sputum characteristics, and vital signs. Chest physiotherapy was the primary nursing intervention combined with oxygen therapy, nebulization, and pharmacological management. Results: After three days of intervention, the patient showed marked improvement: respiratory rate decreased from 44 to 32x/minute, oxygen saturation increased from 95% to 98-99% without oxygen support, respiratory distress resolved, and sputum production markedly decreased. The nursing diagnosis “Ineffective Airway Clearance” was successfully resolved. Conclusion: Chest physiotherapy is an effective evidence-based nursing intervention for improving airway clearance in infants with pneumonia. Integration into standard pediatric pneumonia protocols is strongly recommended.