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A nurse is preparing to suction a patient's tracheostomy tube and observes signs of infection around the stoma. What action should the nurse take?

A.

Proceed with the suctioning as planned.

B.

Report the findings to the healthcare provider.

C.

Clean the area with hydrogen peroxide before suctioning.

D.

Use an antiseptic solution to cleanse the stoma.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Proceeding with the suctioning as planned when signs of infection are present around the tracheostomy stoma can be detrimental to the patient's health. Suctioning in the presence of infection can exacerbate the infection, spread bacteria, and lead to more serious complications.

Choice B rationale:

Reporting the findings of infection to the healthcare provider is the correct action. The healthcare provider needs to assess the infection and determine the appropriate course of action, such as prescribing antibiotics or adjusting the suctioning regimen to prevent further complications.

Choice C rationale:

Cleaning the area with hydrogen peroxide before suctioning is not recommended. Hydrogen peroxide can be harsh on the skin, and using it around the stoma may cause irritation and delay healing. Moreover, cleaning the area without addressing the infection itself does not address the underlying issue.

Choice D rationale:

Using an antiseptic solution to cleanse the stoma is not the appropriate action in the presence of infection. Antiseptic solutions are designed to prevent infections, not treat existing ones. Using an antiseptic could further irritate the area and delay proper treatment for the infection.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Maintaining proper cuff pressure prevents pressure-related injuries and potential tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) formation.

Choice B rationale:

Progressing to a deflated cuff or cuffless tube reduces the risk of TEF by minimizing pressure on the tracheal tissues.

Choice C rationale:

Tracheal dilation or surgical intervention may be necessary if TEF has already developed but is not a preventive measure.

Choice D rationale:

Using a small soft feeding tube instead of a nasogastric tube for tube feedings reduces the risk of trauma to the tracheal tissues and lowers the risk of TEF formation.

Choice E rationale:

Administering oxygen by mask may be necessary for oxygenation, but it is not specifically related to preventing tracheoesophageal fistula formation.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Waiting for at least 10 seconds between each suctioning attempt may not provide sufficient time for the patient's oxygenation to stabilize. This short duration might not allow the patient's oxygen levels to return to an adequate baseline, leading to potential hypoxia during subsequent suctioning attempts.

Choice B rationale:

Waiting for at least 30 seconds between suctioning attempts allows more time for the patient's oxygen levels to recover. This duration strikes a balance between preventing hypoxia and removing secretions effectively. It also helps minimize the risk of complications associated with frequent or rapid suctioning.

Choice C rationale:

Waiting for at least 1 minute between suctioning attempts might be too long, especially if the patient is experiencing respiratory distress or has excessive secretions. Delaying suctioning for this duration could lead to an accumulation of secretions, potentially compromising the airway and causing distress for the patient.

Choice D rationale:

Waiting for at least 3 minutes between suctioning attempts is too long and not clinically appropriate. This extended time may lead to increased secretion buildup and potential airway obstruction, especially in patients with excessive secretions or those who are critically ill.

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