The nurse is suctioning a patient with a tracheostomy tube. Which action will the nurse take?
A) Set suction regulator at 150 to 200 mm Hg.
B) Limit the length of suctioning to 10 seconds.
C) Apply suction while gently rotating and inserting the catheter.
D) Liberally lubricate the end of the suction catheter with a water-soluble solution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Suctioning passes should be limited to 10 seconds to avoid hypoxemia. Suction for a tracheostomy should be set at 100 to 150 mm Hg. Excessive lubrication can clog the catheter or occlude the airway; lubricant is not necessary for oropharyngeal or artificial airway (tracheostomy) suctioning. Suction should never be applied on insertion.

The Nurse Is Suctioning a Patient with a Tracheostomy Tube