Ineffective airway clearance related to neuromuscular dysfunction.

Individuals with neuromuscular dysfunction are at increased risk for secretion retention. Their underlying disease process compromises or prevents ability to cough effectively. Although their lung function may remain normal, neuromuscular disease predisposes to breathing at low lung volumes and to elimination of sighing respirations, a breathing pattern which predisposes to development of airway and alveolar collapse. As ventilatory reserve decreases, risk of progressive atelectasis and secretion retention is increased. Prompt recognition of the signs and symptoms of this nursing diagnosis can prevent or reverse problems relating to ineffective airway clearance. Nursing management thus becomes the cornerstone of the individual's regimen of care.