Acute respiratory tract infection is one of the most common illnesses among
children and frequently leads to ineffective airway clearance due to increased
mucus production and impaired ventilation. Proper nursing care is required to
maintain airway patency and prevent further respiratory complications. This case study aims to describe the nursing care process for a child with an acute respiratory tract infection who experienced the nursing problem of ineffective airway clearance. The case involved a 4-year-old child treated for three days from August 18th to 20th, 2025. Data were collected through interviews, direct observation, physical examination, and medical record review. Nursing care was implemented following the five stages of the nursing process based on the Indonesian Nursing Standards (SDKI, SIKI, and SLKI). The results showed improvement in the child’s condition, indicated by thinner secretions, reduced coughing, absence of additional breath sounds, and normalization of respiratory patterns. Interventions such as semi-Fowler positioning, warm hydration, effective coughing exercises, and nebulization therapy were effective in improving airway clearance. Holistic nursing care proved beneficial in supporting respiratory recovery, and family involvement played an important role in the success of the interventions.

Keywords: Acute Respiratory Infection, child, ineffective airway clearance, nursing care, case study.