A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is 2 days postoperative following the creation of a tracheostomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Place the client in left Sims' position.

Provide humidified air.

Clean the tracheostomy stoma with povidone-iodine.

Use clean technique when providing tracheostomy suctioning.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Place the client in left Sims' position.

Left Sims' position is a lateral position used primarily for rectal examinations or procedures. It involves lying on the left side with the lower arm positioned behind the body and the upper knee flexed. This position is not indicated for a client post-tracheostomy. It does not provide any specific benefit for tracheostomy care and may not be comfortable or appropriate for a client recovering from tracheostomy surgery.

B. Provide humidified air.

Providing humidified air is crucial for clients post-tracheostomy to maintain moisture in the airway and prevent drying of secretions. Tracheostomy bypasses the upper airway's natural humidification mechanism, which can lead to drying of the mucous membranes and increased risk of complications such as mucus plugging and infection. Humidified air helps keep the secretions moist, facilitates their removal, promotes airway clearance, and reduces the risk of complications.

C. Clean the tracheostomy stoma with povidone-iodine.

While povidone-iodine is an antiseptic solution commonly used for skin preparation before invasive procedures, it is not typically used to clean the tracheostomy stoma, especially in the immediate postoperative period. Cleaning the stoma should be performed using sterile technique and appropriate solutions as directed by the healthcare provider. Using povidone-iodine may not be suitable for cleaning the tracheostomy stoma and could potentially irritate the area or introduce contaminants.

D. Use clean technique when providing tracheostomy suctioning.

Tracheostomy suctioning should always be performed using sterile technique to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the lower airway and causing infection. Clean technique, which involves washing hands and using clean gloves, is not appropriate for tracheostomy care, particularly in the immediate postoperative period when the risk of infection is higher. Sterile technique involves the use of sterile gloves, sterile suction catheters, and maintaining a sterile field to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the procedure.

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Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

A. Inspiratory stridor

Inspiratory stridor is a high-pitched, musical sound heard during inspiration that indicates partial obstruction of the upper airway. It is a characteristic sign of airway obstruction and requires immediate attention.

B. Nausea

Nausea is not a common manifestation of airway obstruction. It may be associated with other conditions such as gastrointestinal issues or medication side effects but is not directly related to airway obstruction.

C. Retractions

Retractions refer to visible sinking of the skin between the ribs and above the clavicles during inspiration, which indicates increased effort to breathe. Retractions can occur in response to airway obstruction, as the body attempts to overcome the resistance to breathing.

D. Muscle tremors

Muscle tremors are not specific manifestations of airway obstruction. Tremors may occur due to various reasons such as anxiety, electrolyte imbalances, or neurological conditions but are not typically associated with airway obstruction.

E. Cyanosis

Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from inadequate oxygenation of the blood. It can occur with airway obstruction as oxygen exchange is compromised. Cyanosis is a late sign of respiratory distress and requires immediate intervention.

A. Prepare the client for endotracheal suctioning. B. Elevate the head of the bed. C. Request a chest x-ray. D. Obtain a sputum culture.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Prepare the client for endotracheal suctioning.

Endotracheal suctioning is a procedure used to clear secretions from the airway, which may be necessary in cases of respiratory distress. However, it is not the first action to take in this scenario. Before proceeding with suctioning, the nurse should first assess the client's respiratory status and implement interventions to improve ventilation and oxygenation.

B. Elevate the head of the bed.

This is the correct action to take first. Elevating the head of the bed helps improve the client's respiratory mechanics by allowing better lung expansion and reducing the work of breathing. It also helps alleviate symptoms of respiratory distress. This intervention should be implemented immediately to optimize the client's breathing.

C. Request a chest x-ray.

While a chest x-ray may provide valuable information about the client's respiratory status, it is not the first action to take in this acute situation. Chest x-rays require time to be performed and interpreted, which may delay necessary interventions to address the client's immediate respiratory distress.

D. Obtain a sputum culture.

Obtaining a sputum culture may be indicated to identify the underlying cause of respiratory distress, such as infection. However, it is not the first action to take when the client is experiencing acute respiratory distress. The priority is to implement interventions to improve ventilation and oxygenation to stabilize the client's condition.

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A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is 2 days postoperative following the creation of a tracheostomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

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