The nurse provides care for a client diagnosed with pneumonia. The client is unable to expectorate respiratory secretions. The nurse suctions the client's nasopharyngeal airway. When is suctioning technique correct?
Advances catheter 2-3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm).
Applies suction intermittently for 20 seconds.
Moistens catheter prior to insertion.
Uses non-dominant hand to manipulate catheter.
The Correct Answer is C
When suctioning a client's nasopharyngeal airway, the nurse should moisten the catheter with sterile saline or water-soluble lubricant prior to insertion. This helps to decrease discomfort and trauma to the client's nasal mucosa.
Advancing the catheter 2-3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) (a) is not correct because it can cause injury to the client's airway or trachea. The catheter should only be inserted to a distance equal to the distance from the nose to the earlobe (about 6 to 8 inches or 15 to 20 cm).
Applying suction intermittently for 20 seconds (b) is not correct because it can cause hypoxia and trauma to the client's airway. The suction should be applied continuously while withdrawing the catheter, for no more than 10 seconds.
Using the non-dominant hand to manipulate the catheter (d) is not correct because it can cause the catheter to become contaminated with the nurse's non-sterile hand. The dominant hand should be used to manipulate the catheter while maintaining sterile technique.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
An incentive spirometer is used to help improve lung function by encouraging deep breathing. The user should inhale through the mouthpiece, not through the nose. This observation indicates that additional teaching is required.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
The nurse should verify the pulse oximeter is intact and properly applied and verify the supplemental oxygen is turned on and functioning. The nurse should also correlate the apical pulse rate with the pulse rate on the oximeter to ensure accuracy.

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