Deck 26: Suctioning

Question 1

A client with an endotracheal tube is being suctioned every hour with an open suction system. Which should the nurse identify as a disadvantage of using this system? Select all that apply.

A) Time it takes to suction
B) Cost for each catheter used
C) Increase in client hypoxemia
D) Increase in the volume of secretions
E) Need to wear personal protective equipment

Answer 1

B, C, E
Explanation:1. An open suction system does not alter the amount of time it takes to suction a client.
2. A disadvantage of using an open suction system is the cost for each catheter being used.
3. With the open suction system, the repeated disconnecting of the client from the ventilator can contribute to hypoxemia.
4. An open suction system does not alter the volume of secretions.
5. A disadvantage of an open suction system is the need to wear personal protective equipment when suctioning.

Question 2

The nurse is observing care being completed by unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). For which action should the nurse intervene?

A) Placing sterile water at the bedside
B) Suctioning a client's tracheostomy tube
C) Placing sterile single-use catheters at the bedside
D) Using a Yankauer catheter to suction a client's mouth

Answer 2

B
Explanation:1. UAP can place items used to suction at the bedside.
2. Suctioning a tracheostomy is a sterile, invasive technique requiring application of scientific knowledge and problem solving and is performed by a nurse and is not assigned to UAP.
3. UAP can place items used to suction at the bedside.
4. UAP can use a Yankauer catheter to suction a client's mouth.

Question 3

The nurse hyperoxygenates a client before suctioning. Which parameter should the nurse document that indicates the client's oxygenation status after suctioning is adequate?

A) Lung sounds
B) Respiratory rate
C) Pulse oximeter measurement
D) Character of suctioned material

Answer 3

C
Explanation:1. Lung sounds will not determine the client's oxygenation status.
2. The respiratory rate will not determine the client's oxygenation status.
3. The pulse oximeter measurement provides information about the client's oxygen saturation.
4. The character of suctioned material will not determine the client's oxygenation status.