Final answer:
The presence of greenish sputum is a significant finding that supports the diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance, indicating an obstructed airway likely due to infection, commonly seen in conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The presence of greenish sputum in a patient with a lower respiratory problem is a significant physical assessment finding that supports the nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance. This symptom suggests that there is a build-up of thick and potentially infected mucus in the airways that the body is trying to expel. Such sputum is commonly associated with respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, where there can be overproduction of mucus, leading to obstruction and difficulty clearing the airways. When mucus is greenish, it often indicates the presence of infection.
This can be confirmed by sputum cultures and other diagnostic tools like chest radiographs showing opacities or shadows due to consolidation and other abnormalities. The assessment of sputum is a crucial component of diagnosing respiratory conditions and determining the effectiveness of the airway clearance.