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 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.

This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching, as weight loss is one of the most effective ways to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes in clients who are obese and have obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the upper airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing and hypoxia. Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea, as excess fat tissue around the neck and throat can narrow the airway and increase its collapsibility. Losing weight can reduce the pressure on the airway and improve its patency.

b) "I sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as sleeping pills are not recommended for clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping pills can worsen the condition by relaxing the muscles of the throat and tongue, which can further obstruct the airway and decrease the arousal response to hypoxia. The nurse should advise the client to avoid sleeping pills and other sedatives or alcohol before bedtime.
c) "It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as sleeping on the back is not helpful for clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping on the back can increase the risk of airway obstruction by allowing gravity to pull the tongue and soft palate backward, which can block the airway and cause snoring and apnea. The nurse should suggest that the client try sleeping on the side or elevate the head of the bed to prevent this.
d) "I should get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as a humidifier is not likely to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes in clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. A humidifier can moisten the air and ease breathing for clients who have dry or irritated nasal passages, but it does not address the underlying cause of airway obstruction or hypoxia. The nurse should inform the client that a humidifier may not be effective for obstructive sleep apnea and may increase the risk of infection or mold growth if not cleaned properly.