What does splinting support during bronchial hygiene therapy?

The correct answer is that splinting supports surgical incision sites during bronchial hygiene therapy. After surgeries, especially those involving the thoracic cavity or the respiratory system, patients may experience pain when trying to breathe, cough, or clear secretions. This pain can lead to shallow breathing, which is not ideal for lung expansion and can contribute to complications like atelectasis.

By using a splinting technique—such as the application of pressure to the incision site—patients can provide themselves with relief from discomfort while engaging in necessary breathing exercises, coughing, or other hygiene therapies. This allows them to participate more fully in their recovery while minimizing pain.

Options involving airway obstruction, bronchospasm management, or medication administration are not the primary focus of splinting techniques in the context of bronchial hygiene therapy. While these factors are certainly important in respiratory care, splinting specifically aids in managing the discomfort associated with surgical sites.