A nurse is caring for a client who has a new tracheostomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when suctioning the client's tracheostomy?
Set the suction source at 220 mm Hg.
Repeat suctioning as needed up to five times.
Hyperventilate the client with 100% oxygen before suctioning.
Suction for 20 seconds with each pass.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Pull the pinna of the infant's ear forward before inserting the probe: For infants, the pinna should be pulled down and back, not forward, to align the ear canal properly for accurate tympanic temperature measurement.
B. Insert the probe 3.8 cm (1.5 in) into the infant's rectum: Rectal insertion for infants should be limited to 2.5 cm (1 in) or less to avoid rectal perforation and injury. Inserting 3.8 cm is unsafe.
C. Place the tip of the thermometer under the center of the infant's axilla: Axillary temperature measurement is safe and commonly used in infants. Placing the tip in the center of the axilla and holding the arm snugly ensures accurate contact and reading.
D. Insert the oral thermometer in front of the infant's tongue: Infants cannot reliably hold a thermometer under their tongue, making oral measurement inaccurate and unsafe due to risk of swallowing or injury.
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