The nurse is caring for a patient who has been intubated with an oral endotracheal tube for several weeks. The physicians predict that the patient will need to remain on a ventilator for at least several more weeks before he will be able to maintain his airway and breathe on his own. What procedure does the nurse anticipate will be planned for the patient to facilitate recovery?
A) Placement of a tracheostomy tube
B) Diagnostic thoracentesis
C) Pulmonary angiogram
D) Lung transplantation surgery

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Placement of a tracheostomy tube will secure the patient's airway directly through the trachea, eliminating the need for the endotracheal tube. This will make the patient more comfortable and may allow eating while minimizing damage to the oropharynx from the endotracheal tube.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Has Been