A young adult is brought to the emergency department after taking a handful of drugs.

The client is unresponsive, so an endotracheal tube (ETT) is inserted.

How should the nurse determine if the ETT is correctly placed? (Select all that apply.).

Choice A rationale:

Instill 3 mL of normal saline before suctioning. This choice is not appropriate for suctioning excessive drooling in a client with ALS. Instilling normal saline would introduce additional fluid into the oral cavity, potentially worsening the problem by increasing the amount of secretions. The goal of suctioning is to remove excess saliva and maintain a clear airway.

Choice B rationale:

Instruct the client to cough as the suction tip is removed. Instructing the client to cough during suctioning is not a recommended practice. It may cause discomfort and can lead to an increased risk of aspiration as the client might inhale while coughing during the procedure.

Choice C rationale:

Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the catheter. Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the suction catheter is a common practice to facilitate the passage of the catheter and minimize irritation to the client's oral tissues. While it is a helpful step, it is not the primary action that should be taken to ensure the safety of the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

Wear protective goggles while performing the procedure. This is the correct choice. When suctioning a client's oral cavity, especially when dealing with excessive drooling or secretions, it is essential for the nurse to wear protective goggles. These goggles protect the nurse's eyes from potential exposure to the client's bodily fluids, reducing the risk of infection transmission.

Choice B rationale:

Observing for extrapyramidal symptoms, such as dystonia, is the most important intervention immediately after seclusion because haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication known to have the potential for causing extrapyramidal side effects. Identifying and managing these side effects promptly is crucial to ensure the client's safety.

Choice A rationale:

Releasing the client as soon as composure is regained may not be safe if the client is still at risk of harming themselves or others. Monitoring for the resolution of symptoms and stabilization is important before releasing the client.

Choice C rationale:

Securing the room with padded walls and minimal furnishings is not the immediate priority. While seclusion rooms should be safe and comfortable, observing for potential side effects takes precedence.

Choice D rationale:

Providing one-on-one observation at all times is a resource-intensive intervention and may not be necessary for all clients. Observing for extrapyramidal symptoms is more targeted and appropriate in this scenario.