[Expert Solution]: A 16-year-old male with cystic fibrosis is…

A 16-year-old male with cystic fibrosis is admitted to the inpatient pulmonary unit. He has been hospitalized several times in the past year with respiratory infections, including Pseudomonas and H. influenza. Because of his thick mucous, airway inflammation, and immobile mucosal cilia, microorganisms are unable to be effectively cleared from his lungs. He is supposed to perform vigorous airway mucous clearance measures at home with a vibrating vest and IPV (intrapulmonary percussive ventilation) device. However, the patient states that his treatment takes hours and he does not always feel sick. He estimates his compliance with home airway clearance regimen to be less than 50%. The patient asks the nurse to explain to him why he keeps getting sick from the same bacteria. Which of the following statements is the most appropriate response