A nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient should the nurse see first?
A) A patient with hypercapnia wearing an oxygen mask
B) A patient with a chest tube ambulating with the chest tube unclamped
C) A patient with thick secretions being tracheal suctioned first and then orally
D) A patient with a new tracheostomy and tracheostomy obturator at bedside

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mask is contraindicated for patients with carbon dioxide retention (hypercapnia) because retention can be worsened; the nurse must see this patient first to correct the problem. All the rest are using correct procedures and do not need to be seen first. A chest tube should not be clamped when ambulating. Clamping a chest tube is contraindicated when ambulating or transporting a patient. Clamping can result in a tension pneumothorax. Use nasotracheal suctioning before pharyngeal suctioning whenever possible. The mouth and pharynx contain more bacteria than the trachea. Keep tracheostomy obturator at bedside with a fresh (new) tracheostomy to facilitate reinsertion of the outer cannula if dislodged.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Group of Patients