A nurse is reinforcing teaching about injury prevention with a group of parents who have adolescent children. Which of the following statements by a parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Answer: d. Apply suction in 3 to 4-second increments.

Rationale:

• a. Instill 2 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride prior to suctioning:While saline instillations may be used in some cases,it is not universally recommended for infants with tracheostomies and depends on the specific situation and healthcare provider's protocol.The priority in this case is to quickly clear the partial mucus occlusion to prevent respiratory distress.
• b. Select a catheter that fits snugly into the tracheostomy tube:This isincorrect.Selecting a catheter that fits tightly can damage the delicate tracheal mucosa and increase the risk of bleeding.A smaller-diameter catheter that allows for gentle passage is preferred.

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  Tracheostomy tube and different catheter sizes

• c. Use a clean technique when performing suctioning:This is absolutely essential for all suctioning procedures to minimize the risk of infection.However,it is not the specific action that addresses the immediate concern of clearing the partial mucus occlusion.
• d. Apply suction in 3 to 4-second increments:This is thecorrectapproach for suctioning an infant with a tracheostomy.Applying short,intermittent suction bursts minimizes the risk of hypoxia and tissue trauma while effectively removing secretions.

Therefore, the most important action for the nurse to take is to apply suction in short, 3-4 second bursts to effectively clear the mucus occlusion while minimizing risks to the infant.

Additional Points:

• The nurse should use sterile suction equipment and sterile technique throughout the procedure.
• The suction pressure should be set at the lowest effective level,typically 80-120 mmHg.
• The nurse should monitor the infant for signs of respiratory distress,such as increased work of breathing,retractions,and oxygen desaturation,before,during,and after suctioning.
• If the mucus occlusion is not cleared after several attempts,the nurse should seek assistance from ahealthcareprovider.

Choice A rationale:
Acute otitis media is not a risk factor for physical maltreatment. It's an ear infection and does not directly contribute to the risk of physical abuse. The child's medical history should be assessed for factors that are more closely related to abuse.
Choice B rationale:
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is also not a risk factor for physical maltreatment. Myopia is a visual impairment and is not related to the risk of abuse. The nurse should focus on identifying factors that might indicate an increased likelihood of abuse.
Choice C rationale:
Prematurity can be a risk factor for various health issues in a child, but it is not directly linked to physical maltreatment. While preterm infants might have unique medical needs, being born prematurely does not inherently increase the risk of physical abuse.
Choice D rationale:
Correct Answer. Being adopted can be considered a potential risk factor for physical maltreatment. Children who are adopted might face certain challenges related to attachment, identity, and adjustment. It's important for healthcare providers to be vigilant and assess the child's situation comprehensively to ensure their safety and well-being.