A nurse is caring for a client who became physically aggressive and had to be placed in mechanical restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take while the client is in restraints?

Rationale:

A. Set the suction source at 220 mm Hg: This pressure is excessively high and can damage tracheal mucosa. Recommended suction pressure for an adult tracheostomy is typically 80–120 mm Hg to minimize tissue trauma while effectively clearing secretions.

B. Repeat suctioning as needed up to five times: Frequent suction passes increase the risk of hypoxia and mucosal injury. Generally, suctioning should be limited to a maximum of three passes per session, allowing adequate recovery and reoxygenation between attempts.

C. Hyperventilate the client with 100% oxygen before suctioning: Preoxygenating helps prevent hypoxemia during suctioning by increasing oxygen reserves. This is a standard safety measure, especially in clients with artificial airways, to maintain oxygenation during the procedure.

D. Suction for 20 seconds with each pass: Prolonged suctioning increases the risk of hypoxia, arrhythmias, and airway trauma. Each suction pass should be limited to 10–15 seconds for adults to reduce complications and promote safety.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Skin turgor: Poor skin turgor indicates dehydration, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances, hypotension, and renal complications. Immediate assessment and fluid management are necessary to prevent further physiological deterioration.
• Heart rate: A heart rate of 120/min is tachycardic. This can be caused by dehydration, stimulant effects of mania, or other underlying medical issues. It requires prompt monitoring and intervention to prevent cardiovascular compromise.
• Sleep pattern: The client has not slept for 2 days, which increases the risk for physical exhaustion, worsening psychiatric symptoms, and impaired judgment. Sleep deprivation in the context of mania requires immediate attention to stabilize the client.
• Hallucinations: The client reports listening to unseen others, indicating auditory hallucinations. This can pose a risk for self-harm or unsafe behaviors, and immediate psychiatric assessment and intervention are warranted.

Rationale for incorrect choice:

• Hygiene: While the client’s hair and clothing are unclean, indicating self-care deficits, this is not an immediate threat to physiological stability. It is important for overall care planning but does not require urgent intervention compared to dehydration, tachycardia, sleep deprivation, or hallucinations.