A nurse is caring for a patient who has a tracheostomy and is receiving oxygen therapy via tracheostomy collar at 40% FiO2. The nurse should ensure that which of the following is in place to prevent complications?
A humidifier.
A water seal.
A suction catheter.
A chest tube.
The Correct Answer is A
A humidifier.
Choice A rationale:
A humidifier is necessary to prevent complications in a patient receiving oxygen therapy via a tracheostomy collar. Oxygen delivered through a tracheostomy can dry out the airways and cause discomfort and potential complications. Adding humidity helps maintain airway moisture and prevents drying of the mucous membranes, reducing the risk of mucus plugs and irritation.
Choice B rationale:
A water seal is not necessary for a patient receiving oxygen therapy via a tracheostomy collar. Water seals are used in chest drainage systems to prevent air from entering the pleural space, but they are not relevant in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
A suction catheter is used to clear secretions from the airway but is not directly related to preventing complications with oxygen therapy via a tracheostomy collar.
Choice D rationale:
A chest tube is not needed for a patient receiving oxygen therapy via a tracheostomy collar. Chest tubes are inserted to drain fluid or air from the pleural space, which is not applicable to this situation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should connect the nasal cannula to a humidifier first. Dry and irritated nares are common side effects of oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, and using a humidifier adds moisture to the oxygen, reducing irritation and discomfort for the patient.
Choice A rationale:
Applying petroleum jelly to the nares is not the first action to take. It might provide temporary relief, but it is essential to address the root cause of dryness, which is the lack of moisture in the oxygen delivered.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing the flow rate of oxygen is not the first step because it may not address the dryness issue. It can lead to a higher concentration of oxygen, but it won't solve the problem of dry and irritated nares.
Choice C rationale:
Changing the nasal cannula to a face mask is not necessary to address the dryness. Face masks may not be well-tolerated by some patients, and it's better to try less invasive interventions first.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring the patient's respiratory rate, depth, rhythm, and effort is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and ensuring proper oxygenation through the tracheostomy collar.
Choice B rationale:
Educating the patient on how to use and care for the tracheostomy collar is essential to ensure the patient's safety and compliance with the therapy.
Choice C rationale:
Implementing safety measures to prevent fire hazards from the oxygen source is crucial, especially when oxygen is delivered via tracheostomy collar, which may have increased oxygen flow rates.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct choice. All the provided interventions (monitoring respiratory parameters, patient education, and safety measures) are essential components of the plan of care for a patient with a tracheostomy who requires oxygen therapy.
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