A nurse is planning care for a toddler who has epiglottitis.

Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

The correct answer is choice B. How to operate the portable suction machine. The nurse should include this information in the teaching because suctioning is often needed to keep the tracheostomy tube and opening free from extra mucus and secretions that come from the lungs and tissue around the stoma. Suctioning can help prevent the tube from becoming plugged and improve breathing.

Choice A is wrong because the nondisposable tracheostomy tube does not need to be changed daily. It can be changed every 1 to 3 months, depending on the type of tube.

Choice C is wrong because the tracheostomy dressing should be changed using sterile technique, not clean technique, to prevent infection.

Choice D is wrong because the tracheostomy tube should not be secured with ties at the back of the neck. The ties should be fastened at the front or side of the neck, and they should be snug but not too tight.

The correct answer is b. Remove the device from the room.

Choice A rationale:

• Reporting the defect to the equipment maintenance staff is essential,but it's not the immediate priority.The primary concern is to eliminate the safety hazard posed by the frayed cord to prevent potential harm to the client and others.
• Delaying the removal of the device could lead to electrical shock,fire,or other serious consequences.
• Therefore,removing the device from the room takes precedence over reporting the defect.

Choice B rationale:

• Removing the device from the room is the most appropriate first action because it:
  • Eliminates the immediate safety hazard.
  • Prevents potential harm to the client and others.
  • Protects the device from further damage.
  • Ensures the safety of the environment.
  • Demonstrates the nurse's prioritization of patient safety.

Choice C rationale:

• Initiating a requisition for a replacement CPM device is necessary to ensure the client's continued treatment.
• However,it's not the first action because it doesn't address the immediate safety concern.
• The nurse should first remove the faulty device and then initiate the process for obtaining a replacement.

Choice D rationale:

• Ensuring the device inspection sticker is current is a vital part of equipment maintenance.
• However,it's not relevant to the immediate safety issue of the frayed cord.
• The presence of a current inspection sticker doesn't guarantee the device's safety or functionality at that moment.
• The nurse must prioritize removing the hazard and then follow up with appropriate documentation and reporting.