A nurse is preparing to suction a patient with a tracheostomy who has audible secretions and a falling oxygen saturation. Which action should occur immediately before inserting the catheter?

Correct answer: B. Preoxygenate the patient with prescribed oxygen

  • A. Apply suction while advancing the catheter
  • B. Preoxygenate the patient with prescribed oxygen
  • C. Give oral fluids to loosen the secretions
  • D. Deflate the cuff and remove the tube

Explanation

Preoxygenation helps reduce the risk of hypoxemia during the brief suctioning procedure. Suction is not applied during insertion because it can injure the mucosa, and removing or deflating the tube is not routine suction preparation.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Respiratory Nursing

Covers nursing assessment and management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleural disorders and respiratory failure. Key areas include breath sounds, oxygen therapy, airway suctioning, inhaled medicines, arterial blood gases and the difference between hypoxia, hypoxemia and carbon dioxide retention.

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