A nurse is performing sterile suctioning and observes the patient's oxygen saturation dropping below the normal range. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?

"It's common for the oxygen saturation to drop during suctioning.".

"This is a normal response, and your oxygen levels will improve soon.".

"I will stop suctioning immediately and provide you with oxygen.".

"You should take slow deep breaths to increase your oxygen levels.".

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

(Incorrect) Stating that it's common for oxygen saturation to drop during suctioning is not appropriate because a drop in oxygen saturation is an abnormal response that requires immediate intervention.

Choice B rationale:

(Incorrect) Telling the patient that a drop in oxygen levels is a normal response and will improve soon is incorrect and may lead to delay in addressing the potential respiratory distress.

Choice C rationale:

(Correct) This response is appropriate because the nurse should stop suctioning immediately if the patient's oxygen saturation drops below the normal range and provide supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygenation.

Choice D rationale:

(Incorrect) Advising the patient to take slow deep breaths to increase oxygen levels may not be sufficient to address the oxygen saturation drop, which requires immediate intervention.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The most crucial measure to prevent cross-contamination during sterile suctioning is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE, including gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection, creates a barrier between the healthcare provider and the patient's respiratory secretions, reducing the risk of infection transmission.

Choice B rationale:

Proper disposal of waste materials is important for infection control, but it is not the most critical measure to prevent cross-contamination during sterile suctioning. While proper waste disposal is necessary to reduce the spread of infections, using PPE is more directly related to preventing cross-contamination during the procedure.

Choice C rationale:

Environmental cleaning of the suction device is essential for infection control, but it is not the most important measure to prevent cross-contamination during sterile suctioning. The immediate and direct protection provided by PPE is more effective in reducing the risk of transmission during the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

Performing hand hygiene before and after the procedure is vital for infection control, but it is not the most crucial measure to prevent cross-contamination during sterile suctioning. While hand hygiene is essential for reducing the spread of infections, using PPE provides an additional layer of protection during the procedure.

A. 15 seconds. B. 20 seconds. C. 10 seconds. D. 5 seconds.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Limiting the suctioning time to 15 seconds may still be too long for some patients, increasing the risk of hypoxia and other complications related to prolonged suctioning. The optimal suctioning time should be shorter to minimize adverse effects.

Choice B rationale:

Limiting the suctioning time to 20 seconds is longer than the recommended duration. Prolonged suctioning can cause hypoxia, increased intracranial pressure, and other adverse effects, making it crucial to keep the time as short as possible.

Choice C rationale:

Suctioning time should generally be limited to 10 seconds to reduce the risk of complications while effectively clearing the patient's airway. This duration allows for adequate removal of secretions without causing significant disturbances to the patient's oxygenation and hemodynamic stability.

Choice D rationale:

Limiting the suctioning time to 5 seconds is too short to effectively clear secretions from the airway, especially in patients with excessive or tenacious secretions. Sufficient time is needed to ensure proper removal of respiratory secretions and maintain the patient's airway patency.

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A nurse is performing sterile suctioning and observes the patient's oxygen saturation dropping below the normal range. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching infection control principles for sterile suctioning. Which measure is the most important to prevent cross-contamination during the procedure?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When suctioning a patient with an endotracheal tube (ETT), the nurse should limit the suctioning time to:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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