A nurse is preparing to perform sterile suctioning for a patient with an endotracheal tube (ETT). What should the nurse do before suctioning?

Choice A rationale:

(Correct) After sterile suctioning, it is essential to reposition the patient to a comfortable and safe position, ensuring proper alignment and support to prevent complications.

Choice B rationale:

(Incorrect) While documentation is crucial, ensuring the patient's safety and comfort should be the immediate priority after the procedure.

Choice C rationale:

(Incorrect) The nurse should not remove the catheter and tubing from the artificial airway immediately after suctioning, as it may still be needed for subsequent interventions.

Choice D rationale:

(Incorrect) Assessing the patient's response to suctioning is essential, but ensuring safety and repositioning take precedence immediately after the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should respond by acknowledging the discomfort and pausing the procedure to reposition the nasopharyngeal tube. Repositioning can help alleviate the discomfort while ensuring the oxygenation needs are still met.

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the suction pressure may exacerbate the discomfort and cause further irritation to the nose and airway.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to breathe through the mouth may not adequately address the discomfort and may not be feasible if the oxygenation is dependent on the nasopharyngeal tube.

Choice C rationale:

Although explaining the necessity of suctioning is important, it does not directly address the client's immediate discomfort. The priority is to address the client's comfort and safety during the procedure.