The nurse is providing care to a patient who is mechanically ventilated.The high-pressure alarm beeps and the nurse notes the patient is biting down on the endotracheal (ET)tube.Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the patient is biting down on the ET tube, inserting an oral airway may help prevent further biting and damage to the tube. Suctioning may be needed after the airway is secured, but it is important to address the biting first. Assessing for asymmetric chest rise and emptying water from tubing are not relevant to the issue of the patient biting down on the ET tube.

The Nurse Is Providing Care to a Patient Who Is