A nurse is suctioning a patient who has thick airway secretions. Which action should the nurse take between suction attempts?

Correct answer: A. Allow the patient to rest and reoxygenate

  • A. Allow the patient to rest and reoxygenate
  • B. Place the catheter back into the airway immediately
  • C. Keep suction applied while the patient coughs
  • D. Ask the patient to hold the breath for one minute

Explanation

Rest periods allow the patient to recover oxygenation and reduce fatigue before another attempt. Continuous suction or prolonged breath holding increases the risk of hypoxaemia and respiratory distress.

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About Oxygen Therapy and Airway Care

Airway care includes positioning, suctioning, coughing and deep-breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, oxygen delivery devices and humidification. Questions address indications, flow rates, safety precautions and monitoring for hypoxia or oxygen toxicity, while distinguishing nasal cannula, simple mask, non-rebreather mask and Venturi mask use.

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50 free Oxygen Therapy and Airway Care MCQs from Fundamentals of Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

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