(Select all that apply): A nurse is preparing to perform nasopharyngeal suctioning for a patient with a nasopharyngeal tube (NPT). What actions should the nurse take during the procedure? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale:

The most crucial measure to prevent cross-contamination during sterile suctioning is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE, including gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection, creates a barrier between the healthcare provider and the patient's respiratory secretions, reducing the risk of infection transmission.

Choice B rationale:

Proper disposal of waste materials is important for infection control, but it is not the most critical measure to prevent cross-contamination during sterile suctioning. While proper waste disposal is necessary to reduce the spread of infections, using PPE is more directly related to preventing cross-contamination during the procedure.

Choice C rationale:

Environmental cleaning of the suction device is essential for infection control, but it is not the most important measure to prevent cross-contamination during sterile suctioning. The immediate and direct protection provided by PPE is more effective in reducing the risk of transmission during the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

Performing hand hygiene before and after the procedure is vital for infection control, but it is not the most crucial measure to prevent cross-contamination during sterile suctioning. While hand hygiene is essential for reducing the spread of infections, using PPE provides an additional layer of protection during the procedure.

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.