(Online ATI/HESI question): A nurse is suctioning a patient with an artificial airway. Which of the following materials is preferred for suctioning catheters to reduce the risk of infection?
Glass.
Metal.
Reusable silicone.
Disposable plastic.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Cleaning the inner cannula once a week is insufficient to maintain proper hygiene for a patient with a tracheostomy tube. The inner cannula should be cleaned more frequently, as directed by the healthcare provider, to prevent the accumulation of secretions and potential respiratory complications.
Choice B rationale:
Deflating the cuff before cleaning the tracheostomy tube is not recommended because it may lead to aspiration of secretions or loss of the airway seal. The cuff should only be deflated when it is necessary to remove or change the tracheostomy tube.
Choice C rationale:
Using cotton-tipped applicators to clean the stoma is not the recommended method for tracheostomy care. Sterile tracheostomy care kits usually include specialized brushes or swabs designed for this purpose, ensuring effective and safe cleaning of the stoma without the risk of shedding fibers or causing injury.
Choice D rationale:
Changing the tracheostomy ties every 24 hours is the appropriate action. Regular changing of the ties helps prevent complications such as skin breakdown, ensures a secure fit of the tracheostomy tube, and reduces the risk of infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not discard the used catheter and gloves into a regular trash bin because they were used in a sterile procedure, and improper disposal could lead to the risk of contamination and infection for both the patient and others.
Choice B rationale:
Although it is important to assess the patient's response to suctioning, including vital signs, this should not be the immediate next step after completing sterile suctioning. First, the nurse should ensure their own and the patient's safety by following proper infection control measures.
Choice C rationale:
After completing sterile suctioning, the nurse should perform hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection and then don a new pair of sterile gloves before performing any other tasks or assessments. This step ensures that the nurse maintains a sterile field and minimizes the risk of introducing pathogens into the patient's airway.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing the suction pressure for one last pass is not necessary and may cause harm to the patient's airway. Proper suctioning technique involves limiting the suctioning time and pressure to avoid tissue damage and potential complications.
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