A nurse who has not practiced in several years has returned to work. When suctioning a client, the nurse instills saline into the client's tracheostomy to "thin the secretions." What statements by the precepting nurse are most appropriate? (Select all that apply.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Despite decades of use, the practice of instilling saline down a tracheostomy tube prior to suctioning is not backed by evidence. In fact, the evidence shows it is detrimental because not only does it not thin secretions, it increases the risk of infection and causes pain and anxiety. The precepting nurse would not need to check the data on this topic.

A Nurse Who Has Not Practiced in Several Years Has