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 B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
According to the flashcards from Quizlet, a nurse should monitor a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation following an amniocentesis for contractions, as they are a sign of preterm labor and possible uterine rupture. An amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for testing. It can cause complications such as bleeding, infection, leakage of fluid, and injury to the fetus or placenta.
Choice A is wrong because it is not a common complication of amniocentesis.
Epigastric pain is more likely to be associated with preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. Epigastric pain can indicate severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), which are life- threatening complications that require immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because it is not a direct result of amniocentesis.
Hypertension can occur in pregnancy due to various factors, such as chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia. Hypertension can increase the risk of complications such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and maternal stroke.
Choice D is wrong because it is not a typical complication of amniocentesis.
Vomiting can occur in pregnancy due to various causes, such as morning sickness, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or hyperemesis gravidarum. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, weight loss, and malnutrition if not treated properly.
Some normal ranges that are relevant for this question are:
- The normal gestational age for delivery is between 37 and 42 weeks.
A baby born before 37 weeks is considered preterm and may have complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding in the brain, infection, or low blood sugar.
- The normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute.
A fetal heart rate below 110 or above 160 can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia.
- The normal amniotic fluid index (AFI) is between 8 and 18 cm.
An AFI below 5 cm is considered oligohydramnios and can indicate fetal growth restriction, kidney problems, or rupture of membranes.
An AFI above 24 cm is considered polyhydramnios and can indicate fetal anomalies, diabetes mellitus, or Rh incompatibility.
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.