A nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy. The client's partner has been taught to perform suctioning. Which of the following actions by the partner should indicate to the nurse a readiness for the client's discharge?
Performing the procedure independently
Attending a class given about tracheostomy care
Verbalizing all steps in the procedure
Asking appropriate questions about suctioning
The Correct Answer is A
Performing the procedure independently is the best indicator of the partner's readiness for the client's discharge, as it demonstrates competence and confidence in suctioning. Suctioning is a skill that requires practice and supervision until mastery is achieved. The nurse should observe and evaluate the partner's performance of suctioning and provide feedback and reinforcement as needed.
b) Attending a class given about tracheostomy care is a good action by the partner, but not the best indicator of readiness for the client's discharge. Attending a class can provide information and education about tracheostomy care, but it does not necessarily translate into skill acquisition or application. The nurse should assess the partner's understanding and retention of the information and provide additional teaching or clarification as needed.
c) Verbalizing all steps in the procedure is a good action by the partner, but not the best indicator of readiness for the client's discharge. Verbalizing all steps in the procedure can help the partner remember and follow the correct sequence and technique of suctioning, but it does not necessarily reflect actual performance or ability. The nurse should observe and verify that the partner is doing what they are saying and correct any errors or omissions as needed.
d) Asking appropriate questions about suctioning is a good action by the partner, but not the best indicator of readiness for the client's discharge. Asking appropriate questions about suctioning can show interest and involvement in learning and caring for the client, but it does not necessarily indicate competence or confidence in suctioning. The nurse should answer the partner's questions and provide additional resources or referrals as needed.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Discarding the toothbrush and buying another is a way to prevent disease transmission, as the toothbrush can harbor bacteria and reinfect the child or spread the infection to others. The toothbrush should be discarded after 24 hours of antibiotic therapy.
a) Encouraging the child to drink lots of fluids is a way to promote hydration and soothe the throat, but it does not prevent disease transmission. The child should avoid sharing cups or utensils with others and use disposable tissues or paper towels.
b) Taking the child's temperature every 4 hours is a way to monitor fever, but it does not prevent disease transmission. The thermometer should be cleaned and disinfected after each use and not shared with others.
d) Giving the child Tylenol for the pain is a way to relieve discomfort, but it does not prevent disease transmission. The medication should be administered according to the label instructions and not shared with others.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Repositioning the client is the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as chest burning may indicate that the chest tube is kinked, twisted, or compressed, which can impair drainage and ventilation. The nurse should gently move the client to a different position and check that the chest tube is not bent or occluded by clothing, bedding, or furniture. The nurse should also ensure that there are no dependent loops or coils in the tubing and that it is secured to prevent dislodgment.
a) Increasing the client's wall suction is not advisable, as it can cause increased negative pressure in the pleural space and lead to tension pneumothorax. Increasing the wall suction does not affect the patency of the chest tube or the drainage of air or fluid from the lung. The nurse should maintain the wall suction at the prescribed level and monitor for any changes in the suction chamber.
c) Clamping the client's chest tube is not advisable, as it can cause air or fluid accumulation in the pleural space and lead to tension pneumothorax. Clamping the chest tube does not relieve chest burning or improve drainage or ventilation. The nurse should only clamp the chest tube for a brief period of time and under specific circumstances, such as changing the drainage system, assessing for an air leak, or preparing for chest tube removal.
d) Stripping the client's chest tube is not advisable, as it can cause increased negative pressure in the pleural space and lead to tissue damage or bleeding. Stripping the chest tube involves applying manual pressure along the tubing to force out any clots or debris that may obstruct drainage. However, this practice is not recommended, as it can cause more harm than good. The nurse should only milk the chest tube gently and intermittently if ordered by the provider and if there is evidence of obstruction.
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