After observing blood-tinged mucous when suctioning a patient who has just arrived on the medical-surgical unit after a laryngectomy, which action by the nurse is best?
Place the patient in a lateral recovery position for better drainage of the secretions.
Activate the rapid-response team.
Keep monitoring the oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.
Increase the humidification of the patient's oxygen.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Placing the patient in a lateral recovery position is the best immediate action. This position helps facilitate drainage of secretions, especially after a laryngectomy, which can reduce the risk of aspiration and airway obstruction. The blood-tinged mucus may be due to recent surgery and should be monitored for changes.
B. The activation of the rapid-response team may be necessary if the patient’s condition worsens or becomes critical, but there is no indication of an acute life-threatening event based on the blood-tinged mucus alone.
C. Monitoring the oxygen saturation and respiratory rate is important, but it is a secondary concern compared to providing a position that promotes drainage and prevents aspiration.
D. Increasing humidification of the oxygen may help keep the airway moist, but the immediate priority should be ensuring proper positioning to allow secretion drainage and prevent aspiration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A pleural friction rub occurs when the pleural surfaces rub against each other, usually due to inflammation, but it does not directly cause increased bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest drainage unit.
B. An infection at the drainage site could lead to localized symptoms like redness or discharge, but it does not directly cause increased bubbling in the water seal chamber.
C. A bronchopleural leak is the most likely cause of increased bubbling in the water seal chamber. This occurs when there is an air leak between the lungs and pleural space, causing continuous air to enter the chest drainage system.
D. Complete lung re-expansion would not typically cause bubbling in the water seal chamber. Once the lung is fully re-expanded, bubbling should stop.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Discharge immediately following an open lung biopsy is unlikely. The patient will need observation post-procedure for complications such as bleeding, infection, or pneumothorax, and it usually requires a stay in the hospital for monitoring.
B. It is unlikely that supplemental oxygen will not be needed following an open lung biopsy. The patient may require oxygen post-procedure due to potential respiratory compromise, such as atelectasis or pneumothorax.
C. A chest tube is commonly inserted after an open lung biopsy to allow the lung to re-expand and to drain air or fluid that may accumulate in the pleural space. This is a standard part of the postoperative care for this procedure.
D. Collecting a sputum specimen is not typically necessary immediately after an open lung biopsy. The focus will be on monitoring the patient’s respiratory status, ensuring proper lung expansion, and preventing complications like pneumothorax or bleeding.
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.