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 A
Explanation
a. Ineffective airway clearance: This is the priority as it addresses the immediate threat to the client's respiratory status. Accumulation of thick, copious secretions can lead to airway
obstruction and respiratory distress.
b. Malnourishment: While important, addressing malnourishment is not an immediate
postoperative priority. The client may receive nutrition through alternative means until normal swallowing function is restored.
c. High risk for infection: Infection is a concern, but ensuring airway clearance takes precedence in the immediate postoperative period.
d. Impaired verbal communication: Verbal communication is important, but it is not as immediate a concern as ensuring the airway is clear to prevent respiratory compromise.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Allow the client to take her morning vitamins: This is generally acceptable unless there are specific preoperative instructions regarding medication.
b. Allow the client to keep her tongue stud in: Metallic objects, including tongue studs, are
usually removed before surgery to prevent interference with equipment and to ensure patient safety.
c. Allow the client to keep her hearing aids in: It is important for the client with a hearing
impairment to keep hearing aids in place to facilitate communication and maintain awareness of the environment.
d. Allow the client to consume clear liquids up to the time of surgery: Clear liquids are typically restricted before surgery to prevent aspiration. This action may not align with standard
preoperative fasting guidelines.
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