The nurse is caring for a client with a new tracheostomy. Which action is most important to include in the client’s plan of care?
Change the tracheostomy ties every 48 hours.
Suction the tracheostomy every 2 hours routinely.
Assess airway patency every shift.
Clean the inner cannula with hydrogen peroxide daily.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Changing tracheostomy ties every 48 hours maintains hygiene but is less critical than airway patency. Ties secure the tube, but obstruction from mucus or dislodgement risks respiratory failure. Regular patency checks ensure airflow, addressing the primary physiological need for oxygenation in tracheostomy care.
Choice B reason: Routine suctioning every 2 hours is unnecessary unless secretions obstruct the airway. Over-suctioning risks mucosal trauma or hypoxia. Assessing patency ensures the airway remains clear, guiding suctioning as needed, prioritizing respiratory function in tracheostomy clients over arbitrary suction schedules.
Choice C reason: Assessing airway patency every shift is critical, as tracheostomy tubes risk obstruction from mucus or dislodgement, causing respiratory distress. Regular checks confirm airflow, preventing hypoxia, addressing the physiological priority of oxygenation. This ensures timely intervention, maintaining airway integrity in clients with artificial airways.
Choice D reason: Cleaning the inner cannula daily prevents infection but is secondary to airway patency. Obstruction from secretions or tube displacement causes immediate respiratory failure. Patency assessment ensures airflow, guiding cleaning as needed, making it more urgent than routine cannula maintenance in tracheostomy care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Acetaminophen is hepatotoxic, metabolized by the liver via cytochrome P450 to NAPQI, which depletes glutathione, causing necrosis in hepatitis. A compromised liver from alcohol or viral hepatitis increases toxicity risk, even at standard doses. Contacting the provider ensures safer analgesics, preventing further liver damage in this high-risk client.
Choice B reason: Olanzapine, an antipsychotic, manages schizophrenia by blocking dopamine D2 receptors. It is metabolized by the liver but has low hepatotoxicity risk compared to acetaminophen in hepatitis. No immediate contraindication exists, as it controls psychosis without significantly worsening liver function, making it safe to administer without delay.
Choice C reason: Thiamine (vitamin B1) is essential in hepatitis, particularly with alcohol abuse, preventing Wernicke’s encephalopathy from deficient glucose metabolism. It is liver-safe and beneficial, supporting neurological function without toxicity. Administering thiamine is appropriate, making it unnecessary to contact the provider before implementation.
Choice D reason: Ondansetron, an antiemetic, controls nausea in hepatitis via serotonin 5-HT3 receptor blockade. It is metabolized by the liver but has minimal hepatotoxicity, safe in liver disease. No contraindication exists, as it alleviates symptoms without worsening hepatitis, unlike acetaminophen, which poses significant liver risk.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring serum potassium is relevant, as lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia by reducing aldosterone, impairing potassium excretion. Skin turgor, however, assesses hydration, not ACE inhibitor effects. Blood pressure monitoring is more critical, as lisinopril lowers blood pressure via vasodilation, risking hypotension and falls, especially in elderly clients.
Choice B reason: Eosinophil count and constipation are unrelated to lisinopril’s effects. Elevated eosinophils may suggest allergies, but this is rare with ACE inhibitors. Constipation is not a common side effect. Lisinopril’s primary action is renin-angiotensin inhibition, making blood pressure and fall risk monitoring more urgent to prevent hypotensive complications.
Choice C reason: Lisinopril reduces angiotensin II, promoting vasodilation and lowering blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure detects hypotension, which increases fall risk, particularly in older adults, due to dizziness or orthostatic changes. This directly assesses the drug’s cardiovascular effects, ensuring safety by preventing falls or syncope, making it the priority assessment.
Choice D reason: Heart rate and nausea are not primary lisinopril concerns. Tachycardia may occur secondary to hypotension, and nausea is rare. The drug’s main effect is blood pressure reduction via ACE inhibition, necessitating monitoring for hypotension and fall risk to ensure patient safety, as these are more immediate and significant pharmacological effects.
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