What intervention is indicated for a postoperative patient having difficulty with mucus expectoration and bilateral rhonchi?

For a postoperative patient experiencing difficulty with mucus expectoration and bilateral rhonchi, performing nasal tracheal suctioning is a suitable intervention. This technique is specifically designed to clear secretions from the trachea, which can be crucial for patients who may be unable to cough effectively after surgery, leading to retained secretions and compromised airway patency.

The presence of bilateral rhonchi often indicates the presence of mucus in the airways, and suctioning can help alleviate this by physically removing the obstructions. This intervention is necessary for preventing complications such as atelectasis, which can occur when secretions block alveoli, impairing gas exchange.

Other methods, like postural drainage and percussion, can also help with mucus clearance but may not be as effective or immediate in this situation as nasal tracheal suctioning, especially if the patient is unable to expectorate on their own. Switching to PEP therapy might assist with mobilization of secretions, but it requires some level of patient participation. Administering Narcan is not indicated here, as it is used to reverse opioid overdose, which is unrelated to mucus clearance issues.