A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse perform suctioning for a client who has a tracheostomy. For which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse should the charge nurse intervene?
Applies suction during catheter removal
Suctions for 30 seconds
Preoxygenates with 100% oxygen
Auscultates breath sounds
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
A. Applying suction only during catheter removal is correct because continuous suction while inserting the catheter can cause tissue trauma and hypoxia. Intermittent suctioning during withdrawal prevents damage to the tracheal mucosa.
B. Suctioning for 30 seconds exceeds the recommended time limit, which is typically 10–15 seconds per pass for adults. Prolonged suctioning can cause hypoxia, bradycardia, and tissue trauma, making it unsafe for the client.
C. Preoxygenating with 100% oxygen before suctioning helps prevent hypoxia during the procedure. This is a standard safety measure to maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels.
D. Auscultating breath sounds before and after suctioning allows assessment of airway clearance and lung status. This step ensures that secretions have been effectively removed and helps identify any complications early.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Give a dose of alendronate is incorrect. Alendronate is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, and it does not address low potassium levels. In this case, the focus should be on correcting the potassium imbalance.
B. Administer furosemide is incorrect. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause further loss of potassium. In a client with low potassium levels (hypokalemia., administering furosemide could worsen the condition and lead to life-threatening complications.
C. Apply a cardiac monitor is correct. Hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L) can cause significant cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Applying a cardiac monitor is essential for monitoring the client’s heart rhythm and detecting any abnormalities related to the low potassium level.
D. Monitor for Chvostek's sign is incorrect. Chvostek's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia. While both hypocalcemia and hypokalemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, monitoring for Chvostek’s sign is not a priority in the management of hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Tonic-clonic seizures: This is not typically expected following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT can induce a brief seizure during the procedure, but the nurse would not expect tonic-clonic seizures afterward as a direct result.
B. Paresthesias: Paresthesias (tingling or numbness) are not commonly associated with ECT. The procedure primarily affects the brain, and while some neurological symptoms may occur temporarily, paresthesias are not expected findings.
C. Disorientation: This is correct. It is common for clients to experience disorientation and confusion immediately following ECT, as it can affect memory and cognition temporarily. This typically resolves within a short period of time (minutes to hours) following the procedure.
D. Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is not a direct or common effect of ECT. While anesthesia used during the procedure may cause some temporary respiratory changes, sleep apnea would not be expected as a typical post-procedure finding.
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.