A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a hearing aid. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when the client reports hearing a whistling sound from the hearing aid?

Choice A Reason:

Applying intermittent suction for up to 30 seconds is incorrect. While suctioning is necessary for tracheostomy care, the duration and frequency of suctioning should be based on the client's need and should typically last no more than 10-15 seconds to prevent hypoxemia and tissue damage.

Choice B Reason:

Preoxygenate the client prior to suctioning is correct. Preoxygenation helps ensure that the client has adequate oxygen levels before the suctioning procedure, reducing the risk of hypoxemia or decreased oxygen levels during and after suctioning

Choice C Reason:

Instruct the client to swallow during catheter insertion is incorrect. Instructing the client to swallow during catheter insertion is not a standard procedure for tracheostomy care. Swallowing doesn't have a direct association with the suctioning process.

Choice D Reason:

Apply suction while inserting the catheter is incorrect. Applying suction during catheter insertion can cause tissue damage and should be avoided. Suction should only be applied when withdrawing the catheter to remove secretions from the tracheostomy tube.

Choice A Reason:

Recheck the client's SaO2 level after having the client cough and clear their throat is correct. This action is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the SaO2 reading. Sometimes, minor obstructions or secretions in the airway can momentarily affect the oxygen saturation readings. Having the client cough and clear their throat may help improve the SaO2 readings by clearing any temporary blockages.

Choice B Reason:

Review the client's most recent SaO2 level in the medical record is incorrect. While reviewing the client's history is important, the immediate priority is to verify the current SaO2 level for accuracy before taking further action.

Choice C Reason:

Notify the charge nurse of the client's condition is incorrect. While it might eventually be necessary to inform other healthcare team members, the immediate action should focus on rechecking the SaO2 level to ensure the client's current oxygen saturation status.

Choice D Reason:

Check the client's medical records to see which medications were recently administered is incorrect. Knowing the client's recent medications is important for assessment, but it may not directly address the current situation of shortness of breath and low oxygen saturation. Rechecking the SaO2 level takes precedence in this acute situation.