A client admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is intubated and placed on assist-control mechanical ventilation. When suctioning pulmonary secretions from the endotracheal tube (ETT) using a closed suction system, which action should the nurse implement to ensure that the client receives adequate oxygenation?
Suction subglottic area above the ETT cuff before entering the ETT.
Use the ventilator settings to stack breaths prior to suctioning.
Rinse suction catheters with normal saline between each suction pass.
Suction for 30 seconds with each pass of the suction catheter.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Suction subglottic area above the ETT cuff before entering the ETT. While subglottic suctioning helps prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) by removing pooled secretions, it does not directly improve oxygenation during deep endotracheal suctioning. The priority is to optimize oxygenation before and after suctioning.
B. Use the ventilator settings to stack breaths prior to suctioning. Pre-oxygenating the client by delivering additional breaths via the ventilator helps prevent hypoxia during suctioning. Closed suction systems momentarily interrupt airflow, which can lead to oxygen desaturation. Providing 100% FiO₂ for 30–60 seconds before suctioning helps ensure adequate oxygenation and reduces complications.
C. Rinse suction catheters with normal saline between each suction pass. Flushing the catheter keeps it clean and patent, but it does not enhance oxygenation. Normal saline instillation before suctioning is not recommended, as it can increase infection risk and worsen secretion mobilization.
D. Suction for 30 seconds with each pass of the suction catheter. Prolonged suctioning can cause severe hypoxia, bradycardia, and airway trauma. Suction passes should be limited to 10–15 seconds to minimize complications. If additional suctioning is needed, the client should be reoxygenated between passes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Perform the Allen test. The Allen test is performed before inserting a radial arterial line to assess ulnar artery patency and ensure adequate collateral circulation. Since the arterial line is already placed and the client is showing signs of compromised circulation (pallor, paresthesia, and slow capillary refill), immediate intervention is required rather than further pre-insertion testing.
B. Elevate the client's right arm. Elevating the arm does not directly resolve arterial compromise and may further reduce perfusion by impairing arterial blood flow. The priority is to assess and address potential ischemia caused by arterial line complications.
C. Flush the line with heparinized saline. Flushing an arterial line is appropriate for maintaining patency, but in this case, it may worsen ischemia if the catheter is causing an obstruction or arterial spasm. Additionally, flushing should never be done forcefully due to the risk of embolization.
D. Notify the healthcare provider. The pallor, paresthesia, and delayed capillary refill suggest arterial insufficiency, possible thrombosis, or arterial spasm, which can lead to tissue ischemia and necrosis if not addressed promptly. The healthcare provider should be notified immediately to assess the need for interventions such as removal of the arterial line, vascular assessment, or anticoagulation therapy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administer a PRN dose of benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression and prolong delirium, especially in clients recovering from mechanical ventilation and sedation. The client’s confusion is likely transient post-extubation delirium, which often resolves with reorientation and safety measures rather than sedation.
B. Increase the oxygen concentration to 60%.
The client is maintaining an oxygen saturation of 98% on 40% FiO₂, indicating adequate oxygenation. Increasing the oxygen concentration to 60% is unnecessary and may increase the risk of oxygen toxicity.
C. Apply bilateral wrist restraints.
The client is confused and attempting to get out of bed, increasing the risk of falls and accidental self-injury. Restraints should be used as a last resort after ensuring non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., reorientation, sitter, bed alarms) are ineffective or unavailable. If applied, restraints must be monitored closely and removed as soon as possible.
D. Notify the rapid response team.
The client’s vital signs are stable, and oxygenation is adequate. Although confusion is concerning, it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening emergency requiring a rapid response team. Instead, the nurse should implement safety interventions and continue close monitoring.
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