A nurse is performing tracheostomy care for a client who has a chronic tracheostomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Allow space for one finger to be placed under the tube ties.
Apply suction pressure while inserting the catheter into the trachea.
Suction the client for 20 seconds with each pass.
Cleanse around the stoma with povidone-iodine.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Allowing space for one finger to be placed under the tube ties is a correct action for tracheostomy care. This ensures that the tube ties are not too tight, which can cause skin breakdown, pressure necrosis, or impaired circulation. The tube ties should also not be too loose, which can cause accidental dislodgement of the tube.
Choice B reason: Applying suction pressure while inserting the catheter into the trachea is an incorrect action for tracheostomy care. This can cause trauma to the tracheal mucosa and increase the risk of infection and bleeding. The nurse should apply suction pressure only while withdrawing the catheter and rotate it gently to remove secretions.
Choice C reason: Suctioning the client for 20 seconds with each pass is an incorrect action for tracheostomy care. This can cause hypoxia, bradycardia, or cardiac arrest due to vagal stimulation. The nurse should suction the client for no more than 10 to 15 seconds with each pass and allow at least 30 seconds between passes for oxygenation.
Choice D reason: Cleansing around the stoma with povidone-iodine is an incorrect action for tracheostomy care. Povidone-iodine is a strong antiseptic that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. The nurse should cleanse around the stoma with normal saline or sterile water and apply a thin layer of water-soluble lubricant to protect the skin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not an appropriate action because using safety pins to secure the pad in place can puncture or damage the pad and cause leakage or malfunction. The nurse should use Velcro straps or tape to secure the pad in place.
Choice B reason: This is an appropriate action because covering the pad prior to use can prevent direct contact between the pad and the skin and reduce the risk of burns or irritation. The nurse should use a clean towel or sheet to cover the pad.
Choice C reason: This is not an appropriate action because applying the pad for 45 minutes at a time can cause tissue damage or necrosis due to prolonged exposure to heat. The nurse should apply the pad for no more than 20 minutes at a time and check the skin condition frequently.
Choice D reason: This is not an appropriate action because filling the pad with sterile water can increase the cost and waste of resources without any benefit. The nurse should fill the pad with tap water as instructed by the manufacturer.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Typically, the tube is flushed with about 30 mL of water before and after feedings to ensure patency and prevent clogging, not 90 mL.
Choice B reason: This is not an appropriate action because administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting. The nurse should warm the feeding solution to room temperature before administering it.
Choice C reason: Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent aspiration and promotes proper digestion by using gravity to keep the feeding solution in the stomach or jejunum.
Choice D reason: This is not an appropriate action because rotating the jejunostomy tube once per day can cause irritation or displacement of the tube. The nurse should secure the tube in place and check its position before each feeding.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
