A staff nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse suction a client’s tracheostomy.
Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention by the staff nurse?
Inserts the catheter without applying suction.
Waits for 2 min between suctions.
Applies suction for 15 seconds.
Encourages the client to cough during suctioning.
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is Choice B
Choice A rationale: Inserting the catheter without applying suction is correct technique. Suction should only be applied while withdrawing the catheter to prevent mucosal trauma and hypoxia. Initiating suction during insertion can damage tracheal lining and cause bradycardia due to vagal stimulation. Allowing clean insertion without suction reduces injury risk and supports effective secretion removal on withdrawal with controlled suction time.
Choice B rationale: Waiting 2 minutes between suction passes is too long and may delay secretion clearance, risking hypoxia and secretion buildup. Best practice is to wait about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the client recovers baseline oxygen saturation and heart rate. Prolonged intervals may lead to atelectasis or respiratory distress in patients with poor reserve, especially if suctioning is incomplete or secretions are copious.
Choice C rationale: Suctioning should be limited to 10–15 seconds per pass to reduce hypoxemia and bronchospasm risks. Applying suction for 15 seconds falls within the upper acceptable range, particularly if preoxygenation is done. Extended suction beyond this can decrease PaO₂ levels rapidly. Limiting the suction time ensures safer removal of secretions while minimizing trauma and preserving adequate oxygenation.
Choice D rationale: Encouraging the client to cough facilitates mobilization of secretions toward the upper airway, making suctioning more effective. Coughing also enhances airway clearance naturally and may reduce the number of required suction passes. It is a therapeutic action in tracheostomy care that supports pulmonary hygiene, helps prevent atelectasis, and can reduce the need for deep suctioning interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Applying warm compresses to the incision site is anticipated for the client, as it can help reduce swelling and pain.
The other choices are contraindicated for the following reasons:
- Choice B: Maintaining bed rest for 2 days postoperatively is contraindicated, as it can increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. The client should be encouraged to ambulate as soon as possible after surgery.
- Choice C: Irrigating indwelling urinary catheter with 50 mL of normal saline is contraindicated, as it can introduce bacteria into the bladder and cause infection. The catheter should be kept patent and draining without irrigation unless there is a specific order from the provider.
- Choice D: Administering enema to relieve constipation is contraindicated, as it can increase the pressure in the pelvic area and cause bleeding or damage to the surgical site. The client should be given stool softeners and laxatives to prevent constipation.
- Choice E: Placing a blanket roll under the client’s knees while in bed is contraindicated, as it can impair blood circulation and cause thrombophlebitis. The client should avoid flexing the knees excessively and elevate the legs slightly when lying down.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Administer sublingual nitroglycerin.
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can relieve chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia. The nurse should administer it as soon as possible to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction. The nurse should also monitor the client’s blood pressure and heart rate after giving nitroglycerin, as it can cause hypotension and reflex tachycardia.
Choice A is wrong because checking a STAT cardiac troponin is not the first priority.
Cardiac troponin is a biomarker that indicates myocardial injury, but it may not rise until several hours after the onset of chest pain.
Therefore, it is not useful for immediate diagnosis or treatment of acute coronary syndrome. Choice B is wrong because requesting a prescription for a beta-blocker is not the first priority.
Beta-blockers are medications that can lower blood pressure and heart rate, and reduce the oxygen demand of the heart.
They can prevent or reduce the recurrence of chest pain and complications of acute coronary syndrome, but they are not indicated for immediate relief of chest pain.
Choice D is wrong because administering oxygen is not the first priority.
Oxygen therapy can increase the oxygen supply to the heart and reduce ischemia, but it is not necessary for all clients with chest pain.
Oxygen therapy should be based on the client’s oxygen saturation level and clinical condition.
If the client’s oxygen saturation is normal or high, oxygen therapy may not be beneficial and may even be harmful.
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