A nurse is discussing pneumonia risk factors with a client and mentions the importance of good oral hygiene. What should the nurse explain about the connection between oral health and pneumonia risk?

A) Correct. Frequent coughing and deep breathing exercises are essential to prevent complications such as pneumonia-associated atelectasis and maintain lung function. Clients should be encouraged to perform these exercises hourly, including during the night.

B) Incorrect. While performing exercises three times a day may be better than not doing them at all, more frequent exercises are recommended for clients with pneumonia.

C) Incorrect. Waiting until shortness of breath occurs may not provide adequate prevention of respiratory complications.

D) Incorrect. Coughing and deep breathing exercises are beneficial for maintaining lung function and preventing complications in clients with pneumonia.

A) Incorrect. Pneumonia primarily affects the respiratory system, not the heart's ability to pump blood.

B) Incorrect. Narrowing of the airways is not the primary feature of pneumonia; it is more characteristic of conditions like asthma.

C) Incorrect. While mucus production can increase in response to infection, it is not the primary cause of pneumonia.

D) Correct. In pneumonia, infection and inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs are key features of the pathophysiology.