A nurse is preparing to perform sterile suctioning on a patient. What should be the nurse's priority action before suctioning?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should limit each suction pass to no more than 10 seconds to minimize the risk of tissue damage and hypoxia. Prolonged suctioning can cause trauma to the mucosa and lead to inadequate oxygenation.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should apply suction while inserting the catheter to prevent the catheter from touching the airway walls before suction is initiated. This helps avoid stimulating the gag reflex and causing discomfort to the client.

Choice C rationale:

Rotating the catheter between the thumb and forefinger helps to facilitate even suctioning and prevent the catheter from adhering to the airway walls. It allows for effective removal of secretions without causing harm to the delicate tissues.

Choice D rationale:

After each suction pass, the nurse should rinse the catheter and tubing with saline to maintain its patency and prevent the buildup of secretions. This practice ensures that subsequent suctions are effective in clearing the airway.

Choice E rationale:

Suctioning more than three times in a row is not recommended because it can lead to hypoxia and tissue trauma. Frequent suctioning can reduce the oxygen levels in the airway and cause damage to the delicate tissues.

Choice D rationale:

When suctioning patients with an artificial airway, using disposable plastic catheters is preferred to reduce the risk of infection. Disposable catheters are single-use and discarded after each procedure, minimizing the potential for contamination and cross-infection between patients.

Choice A rationale:

Glass suctioning catheters are not preferred because they cannot be effectively sterilized for reuse. Reusable materials carry a higher risk of infection transmission and should be avoided when possible.

Choice B rationale:

Metal suctioning catheters are also not the preferred choice for reducing the risk of infection. Like glass catheters, they can be difficult to clean and sterilize adequately for safe reuse. Using disposable materials, like plastic catheters, is a safer option.

Choice C rationale:

While reusable silicone catheters may be more flexible and gentler on the airway, they are not the preferred choice for infection control. Like other reusable materials, they carry a higher risk of contamination and are not as easily disposed of as disposable plastic catheters.