The nurse observes a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is excessively drooling and prepares to suction the client's oral cavity.
Which action should the nurse include?

Instill 3 mL of normal saline before suctioning.

Instruct the client to cough as the suction tip is removed.

Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the catheter.

Wear protective goggles while performing the procedure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C: Increase rate of ventilation.

Choice A rationale:

Decreasing expiratory flow time would not directly address the elevated PaCO2 levels. This intervention is more related to managing expiratory phase issues rather than correcting respiratory acidosis.

Choice B rationale:

Decreasing expiratory pressure might help with certain ventilation issues, but it does not specifically target the elevated PaCO2 and resulting acidosis.

Choice C rationale:

Increasing the rate of ventilation helps to blow off more CO2, thereby reducing PaCO2 levels and correcting the respiratory acidosis indicated by the pH of 7.26 and PaCO2 of 68 mm Hg.

Choice D rationale:

Increasing the ventilator tidal volume could also help reduce PaCO2 by increasing the amount of air exchanged with each breath. However, increasing the rate of ventilation is generally a more immediate and effective intervention for acute respiratory acidosis.

A. Metabolic alkalosis. B. Respiratory alkalosis. C. Metabolic acidosis. D. Respiratory acidosis.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B.

Choice A rationale: Metabolic alkalosis is caused by a loss of acid or a gain of base. It is not typically associated with anxiety or hyperventilation.

Choice B rationale: Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This can occur in response to anxiety, pain, or other stressors.

Choice C rationale: Metabolic acidosis is caused by a buildup of acid in the blood or a loss of bicarbonate. It is not typically associated with anxiety or hyperventilation.

Choice D rationale: Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation, which leads to an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. It is not typically associated with anxiety or hyperventilation.

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The nurse observes a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is excessively drooling and prepares to suction the client's oral cavity. Which action should the nurse include?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client receiving mechanical ventilation has a pH of 7.26, PaCO2 of 68 mm Hg, and a PaO2 of 92 mm Hg. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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The nurse observes a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is excessively drooling and prepares to suction the client's oral cavity.
Which action should the nurse include?