For a patient with pneumonia and a SpO2 of 90%, what action should the nurse prioritize?

Assisting the patient with staged coughing is essential in this scenario because the patient's low oxygen saturation level (SpO2 of 90%) indicates that they are experiencing some degree of respiratory compromise, which is often associated with pneumonia. Staged coughing helps clear secretions from the lungs, potentially improving airway patency and gas exchange.

Effective airway clearance can lead to improved oxygenation as it helps to remove mucus and other obstructions that may contribute to inadequate ventilation and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. By facilitating a more productive cough, the nurse aids the patient in clearing their airways, which may enhance SpO2 levels over time.

While the other options may have their own merit in different contexts—such as positioning the patient to improve lung perfusion, using a humidifier to moisten airways, or scheduling rest periods to manage fatigue—they do not directly address the immediate concern of ventilation and gas exchange associated with the patient's low oxygen saturation as actively and effectively as assisting with staged coughing does.