A nurse is preparing to perform suctioning for an infant who has a partial mucus occlusion of her tracheostomy tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Instill 2 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride prior to suctioning.
Select a catheter that fits snugly into the tracheostomy tube.
Use a clean technique when performing suctioning.
Apply suction in 3 to 4-second increments.
The Correct Answer is D
Answer: d. Apply suction in 3 to 4-second increments.
Rationale:
- a. Instill 2 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride prior to suctioning: While saline instillations may be used in some cases, it is not universally recommended for infants with tracheostomies and depends on the specific situation and healthcare provider's protocol. The priority in this case is to quickly clear the partial mucus occlusion to prevent respiratory distress.
- b. Select a catheter that fits snugly into the tracheostomy tube: This is incorrect. Selecting a catheter that fits tightly can damage the delicate tracheal mucosa and increase the risk of bleeding. A smaller-diameter catheter that allows for gentle passage is preferred.
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Tracheostomy tube and different catheter sizes
- c. Use a clean technique when performing suctioning: This is absolutely essential for all suctioning procedures to minimize the risk of infection. However, it is not the specific action that addresses the immediate concern of clearing the partial mucus occlusion.
- d. Apply suction in 3 to 4-second increments: This is the correct approach for suctioning an infant with a tracheostomy. Applying short, intermittent suction bursts minimizes the risk of hypoxia and tissue trauma while effectively removing secretions.
Therefore, the most important action for the nurse to take is to apply suction in short, 3-4 second bursts to effectively clear the mucus occlusion while minimizing risks to the infant.
Additional Points:
- The nurse should use sterile suction equipment and sterile technique throughout the procedure.
- The suction pressure should be set at the lowest effective level, typically 80-120 mmHg.
- The nurse should monitor the infant for signs of respiratory distress, such as increased work of breathing, retractions, and oxygen desaturation, before, during, and after suctioning.
- If the mucus occlusion is not cleared after several attempts, the nurse should seek assistance from a healthcare provider.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The Rotavirus vaccine is typically administered to infants, usually starting at 2 months of age, to protect against severe diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus infection. However, the child in question is 11 years old, and the rotavirus vaccine is not recommended for administration at this age. The vaccine's protection window is within the infant and early childhood period, and the child would likely have received this vaccine earlier.
Choice B rationale:
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Hib vaccine is recommended as a series of doses to protect against Haemophilus influenzae type B infection, which can lead to severe illnesses like meningitis and pneumonia. While the child may have received this vaccine in infancy, a booster dose is often recommended around age 11 to ensure ongoing protection. This choice is correct for the given age group.
Choice C rationale:
Hepatitis A Hepatitis A vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the first dose given at age 1 and the second dose administered at least 6 months later. The child in question is 11 years old, and assuming the child received the vaccine as per the standard schedule, there would be no need to administer this vaccine again.
Choice D rationale:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescents to protect against several strains of the human papillomavirus that can lead to various cancers later in life. It's usually administered in a series of doses starting around age 11 or 12. However, the prompt states that the child is already up-to-date with current immunizations, and if the child received the HPV vaccine at the appropriate age, there would be no need for another dose at this time.
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Allowing an adolescent driver to answer their phone while driving can lead to distraction, increasing the risk of accidents. Engaging in conversations on the phone diverts the driver's attention from the road, which is unsafe. It's crucial for drivers, especially new ones, to focus solely on driving to prevent accidents.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is correct. Not answering the phone while driving is a responsible behavior that indicates an understanding of the dangers of distracted driving. Parents should encourage their children to focus on the road and avoid distractions like phone calls, promoting safe driving practices.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Adolescents should continue wearing helmets when riding their bikes even after age 13. Wearing helmets helps prevent head injuries in case of accidents. While older adolescents might perceive themselves as less prone to accidents, they are still at risk, and helmets are essential for their safety.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is correct. Wearing appropriate protective clothing, like long pants, while driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is crucial. Long pants can provide some degree of protection against scrapes, scratches, and minor injuries that can occur while operating an ATV. It's a safety measure that shows an understanding of the importance of protective gear.
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