During suctioning, a patient's heart rate suddenly falls and the patient becomes pale. Which action should the nurse take immediately?

Correct answer: B. Stop suctioning and provide oxygenation

  • A. Continue suctioning to remove remaining secretions
  • B. Stop suctioning and provide oxygenation
  • C. Increase suction pressure to shorten the procedure
  • D. Place the patient flat and leave the catheter in place

Explanation

Bradycardia and pallor may result from hypoxia or vagal stimulation during suctioning. Stopping the procedure and providing oxygenation protects airway and circulation before further assessment.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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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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