A client who has had a laryngectomy and tracheostomy frequently expectorates copious amounts of purulent secretions.
When changing the ties of the tracheostomy tube, which action is most important for the nurse to take?
Leave the old ties in place until the new ones are secure.
Secure tracheostomy ties by making knots close to the tube.
Remove ties to secure a disposable, soft foam collar with self-adhesive fastening.
Place knots of the ties laterally to prevent irritation and pressure.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Maintains airway patency: Leaving the old ties in place until the new ones are secure ensures that the tracheostomy tube remains in the correct position and prevents accidental decannulation, which could obstruct the airway and lead to respiratory distress or arrest. This is the most important priority in tracheostomy care.
Prevents tube displacement: Accidental decannulation can occur during tie changes, especially in patients with copious secretions or who are restless or agitated. Keeping the old ties in place acts as a safety measure to keep the tube in position even if the new ties are not immediately secured.
Allows for adjustments: If the new ties are not tied correctly or are too tight, the old ties can be loosened or removed to make adjustments without compromising the airway.
Minimizes anxiety: Leaving the old ties in place can help to reduce anxiety in patients who are apprehensive about the tie- changing process, as it provides a sense of security and ensures that the tube will not be dislodged.
Choice B rationale:
Increases risk of skin irritation: Knots tied close to the tube can rub against the skin, causing irritation, discomfort, and potential skin breakdown, especially in patients with sensitive skin or who have copious secretions.
Impinges on blood flow: Tight knots can also constrict blood vessels, potentially impairing circulation to the skin around the tracheostomy site.
Difficult to remove in emergencies: Knots tied too close to the tube can be challenging to untie quickly in case of an emergency, such as accidental decannulation or the need to suction secretions.
Choice C rationale:
Not appropriate for all patients: Disposable, soft foam collars with self-adhesive fastening may not be suitable for patients with copious secretions, as the adhesive may not adhere well to moist skin.
May not provide adequate support: These collars may not provide the same level of support as traditional tracheostomy ties, especially in patients with active neck movement or who are at risk of accidental decannulation.
Potential for skin irritation: The adhesive on the collar can also irritate the skin around the tracheostomy site in some patients.
Choice D rationale:
May not prevent irritation: Placing knots laterally may not completely eliminate the risk of skin irritation, as the ties can still rub against the skin with neck movement or when the patient is lying down.
Could lead to accidental loosening: Knots tied laterally may be more prone to accidental loosening, especially if the patient is restless or agitated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","F","G"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choiceb. Identify the client using 2 client identifiers,c. Perform hand hygiene,e. Don gloves,f. Check the skin around the face, andg. Assess respiratory function.
Choice A rationale:
Determining if the client needs to go to the bathroom is not directly related to the immediate preparation for oxygen administration. However, it can be considered as part of overall patient comfort and care.
Choice B rationale:
Identifying the client using 2 client identifiers is crucial to ensure the correct patient is receiving the correct treatment, which is a standard safety protocol in healthcare settings.
Choice C rationale:
Performing hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infection and maintain a sterile environment.
Choice D rationale:
Brushing the client’s teeth is not a necessary step before applying a simple face mask for oxygen administration. It is more related to general oral hygiene.
Choice E rationale:
Donning gloves is important to protect both the nurse and the patient from potential contamination and infection.
Choice F rationale:
Checking the skin around the face is important to ensure there are no existing sores or irritations that could be exacerbated by the mask.
Choice G rationale:
Assessing respiratory function is critical to determine the patient’s baseline respiratory status and to monitor the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pneumonia is the most likely diagnosis given the rapid development of pulmonary infiltrates within a 24-hour period. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It typically presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The presence of pulmonary infiltrates on imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray, is a key diagnostic feature of pneumonia.
The distribution of the infiltrates, involving the lower lobes with a predominance on the right side, is also consistent with pneumonia. This is because the lower lobes are more susceptible to pneumonia due to their anatomy and gravity.
The absence of active processes on Day 1 makes other diagnoses less likely. For example, tuberculosis typically develops more slowly over weeks or months, and bronchitis usually does not cause pulmonary infiltrates.
Pulmonary embolism can cause pulmonary infiltrates, but it would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.
Choice B rationale:
Tuberculosis is a chronic infection that typically develops slowly over weeks or months. It is less likely to cause rapid development of pulmonary infiltrates as seen in this case.
Tuberculosis often involves the upper lobes of the lungs, and it may be associated with other symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Choice C rationale:
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the large airways that carry air to the lungs. It typically causes a cough, but it does not usually cause pulmonary infiltrates.
Bronchitis is often caused by a virus, and it usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.
Choice D rationale:
Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of a pulmonary artery, one of the blood vessels that carries blood to the lungs. It can cause pulmonary infiltrates, but it would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.
Pulmonary embolism is often caused by a blood clot that travels from a vein in the leg to the lungs.
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