What is the purpose of postural drainage in cardiopulmonary physical therapy?

• A. Facilitate mucus clearance from specific lung segments.
• B. Improve overall cardiovascular endurance.
• C. Increase chest wall rigidity.
• D. Enhance oxygen diffusion capacity.

Answer: (A)

Postural drainage uses gravity to mobilize secretions from specific lung regions so they can drain toward the central airways and be coughed up or suctioned away. By positioning the patient to place the dependent lung segments above the bronchial pathways, secretions in those areas are encouraged to move into larger airways where they can be cleared. This targeted mucus clearance is especially helpful in conditions with mucus retention, such as bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, or COPD with mucus plugging.

It isn’t about improving cardiovascular endurance, which is addressed through conditioning; nor about increasing chest wall rigidity, which would be undesirable; and it doesn’t directly enhance oxygen diffusion capacity, which relates to gas exchange at the alveolar level.