(Online ATI/HESI question): A nurse is preparing to suction a patient with thick secretions. Which type of suctioning catheter should the nurse choose to effectively aspirate the secretions?

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should acknowledge the patient's anxiety and respond empathetically. Assuring the patient that the nurse will explain each step during the procedure can help alleviate anxiety. This approach promotes trust and helps the patient feel more in control, which is important for patient cooperation during the suctioning procedure.

Choice A rationale:

Telling the patient not to worry and that it won't take long may come across as dismissive and not address the patient's concerns adequately.

Choice B rationale:

Offering to postpone the procedure is an option, but the nurse should first attempt to address the patient's anxiety and provide reassurance. If the anxiety persists despite the explanation, postponing the procedure can be considered.

Choice D rationale:

Dismissing the patient's anxiety by stating that suctioning is routine may not effectively address the patient's feelings and may not be comforting.

Choice A rationale:

(Incorrect) Stating that it's common for oxygen saturation to drop during suctioning is not appropriate because a drop in oxygen saturation is an abnormal response that requires immediate intervention.

Choice B rationale:

(Incorrect) Telling the patient that a drop in oxygen levels is a normal response and will improve soon is incorrect and may lead to delay in addressing the potential respiratory distress.

Choice C rationale:

(Correct) This response is appropriate because the nurse should stop suctioning immediately if the patient's oxygen saturation drops below the normal range and provide supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygenation.

Choice D rationale:

(Incorrect) Advising the patient to take slow deep breaths to increase oxygen levels may not be sufficient to address the oxygen saturation drop, which requires immediate intervention.