A nurse is assigned to care for a client who was recently admitted due to dyspnea. The chart notes that the client has an endotracheal tube in place. Suctioning is ordered every four hours. The nurse keeps in mind that prior to suctioning, which of the following is performed first?
A)Hyperoxygenate the client with 100% oxygen.
B)Place saline solution down the endotracheal tube.
C)Encourage the client to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises.
D)Deflate the cuff on the endotracheal tube.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before suctioning, it is important to hyperoxygenate the client first with 100% oxygen. Suctioning causes arterial oxygen desaturation, so the client must be supplied with adequate oxygen before the procedure. Saline solution can loosen the secretions, but this action is not the first step when preparing a client for suctioning. Coughing exercises must be discouraged, as they cause tube dislodgement. The cuff is only deflated if the tube is ordered for removal.

A Nurse Is Assigned to Care for a Client Who