A nurse in an acute care facility is reviewing medication administration protocol with another nurse. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the review?

A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute with shallow respirations and cyanosis indicates significant respiratory distress and inadequate oxygenation. The client's airway needs to be assessed and cleared to ensure a proper flow of air into the lungs. This can involve positioning the client appropriately, providing manual or mechanical assistance with ventilation, or using other airway management techniques as necessary.

While administering oxygen to the client and placing a pulse oximeter on the client's finger are important interventions to improve oxygenation and monitor oxygen saturation, they should not delay the immediate priority of establishing a patent airway.

Checking the client's pulse rate is also important and should be done in a timely manner, but it should not take precedence over ensuring a clear and open airway for the client.

A.This is incorrect because suction should not be applied during the insertion of the catheter. Suctioning should only be applied while withdrawing the catheter to avoid causing trauma to the mucosa.

B. Suctioning should generally be performed for no longer than 10 seconds at a time to minimize the risk of complications such as hypoxia.

C.This response is correct because waiting approximately 1 minute between suctioning attempts allows the client time to recover and reoxygenate. This interval helps prevent hypoxia and mucosal damage, which are important considerations during the suctioning process.

D.In adults insert catheter approximately 16 cm (6.5 inches); in older children, 8– 12 cm (3–5 inches); in infants and young children, 4–7.5 cm (1.5–3 inches). Rule of thumb is to insert catheter distance from tip of nose (or mouth) to angle of mandible.