A nurse is creating an incident report due to an accidental omission of a client's dressing change during the previous shift. Which of the following statements should the nurse document on the incident report form?

Answer: B

Rationale:

A) Request insertion of a tracheostomy tube: The high-pressure alarm on a ventilator typically indicates increased resistance to airflow within the airway, which may be due to secretions, bronchospasm, or another obstruction. Requesting insertion of a tracheostomy tube is not the first action the nurse should take in response to a high-pressure alarm. Instead, the nurse should assess and manage potential causes of increased airway resistance before considering a change in airway management.

B) Suction the client's airway: Suctioning the client's airway is the priority action in response to a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. Increased airway pressure may be due to secretions or a mucus plug, leading to airway obstruction. Suctioning helps clear the airway and restore effective ventilation.

C) Tighten the tubing connections: While loose tubing connections can contribute to air leaks and decreased ventilation efficiency, they are not the primary cause of a high-pressure alarm. Tightening tubing connections may be necessary but is not the initial action in response to a high-pressure alarm.

D) Look for a leak in the tube's cuff: Checking for a leak in the endotracheal tube cuff is essential to ensure an adequate seal and prevent aspiration. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take in response to a high-pressure alarm. The priority is to address potential airway obstruction by suctioning the client's airway to remove secretions or other obstructions.

A. Changing the inner cannula on a tracheostomy: This procedure falls within the RN's scope of practice, as it involves basic tracheostomy care and maintenance, which nurses commonly perform.
B. Administering a platelet transfusion: Administering blood and blood products, including platelet transfusions, is within the RN's scope of practice, provided the nurse has appropriate training and competency.
C. Irrigation of an external ear canal: Irrigation of an external ear canal is a routine nursing procedure that falls within the RN's scope of practice, as long as it does not involve invasive procedures beyond irrigation.
D. Inserting a tunneled central venous catheter: Inserting tunneled central venous catheters is typically performed by advanced practice nurses or physicians with specific training and certification, such as nurse practitioners or interventional radiologists. This procedure is beyond the scope of practice for RNs and requires specialized skills and knowledge.