A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a tracheostomy and has copious and tenacious secretions. Which of the following is an acceptable method for the nurse to use to thin this client's secretions?
Provide humidified oxygen.
Prelubricate the suction catheter tip with sterile saline when suctioning the airway.
Perform chest physiotherapy prior to suctioning.
Hyperventilate the client with 100% oxygen before suctioning the airway.
The Correct Answer is A
a. Provide humidified oxygen: Humidification helps prevent the drying of mucous membranes, making secretions more manageable and less tenacious. This is an acceptable method to thin
secretions in a client with a tracheostomy.
b. Prelubricate the suction catheter tip with sterile saline when suctioning the airway: While lubrication with sterile saline is a common practice during suctioning to reduce trauma to the airway, it does not directly address the tenacity of secretions.
c. Perform chest physiotherapy prior to suctioning: Chest physiotherapy is a technique used to mobilize respiratory secretions, but it may not directly address the tenacity of secretions.
d. Hyperventilate the client with 100% oxygen before suctioning the airway: Hyperventilation with 100% oxygen is not a routine practice and may lead to respiratory alkalosis. Providing
humidified oxygen is a more appropriate approach.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL: This creatinine level is within the normal range and is not an immediate priority for knee arthroplasty.
b. WBC count 20,000/mm3: An elevated white blood cell count suggests the presence of
infection or inflammation. In the context of knee arthroplasty, infection is a significant concern and requires immediate attention to prevent complications.
c. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L: This potassium level is within the normal range and is not an immediate priority for knee arthroplasty.
d. Hematocrit 40%: This hematocrit level is within the normal range and is not an immediate priority for knee arthroplasty. The elevated WBC count takes precedence as it suggests a
potential infectious process.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Inspiratory stridor - This is associated with upper airway obstruction and is not indicative of a pneumothorax.
B. Expiratory wheeze - Wheezing is commonly associated with lower airway conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not pneumothorax.
C. Coarse crackles - Coarse crackles are typically heard in conditions such as pneumonia or pulmonary edema, not pneumothorax.
D. Absence of breath sounds - This is a key manifestation of a pneumothorax. The air in the pleural space can prevent the lung from fully expanding, leading to the absence of breath sounds on the affected side.
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