Question

When assisting with the education of the family of a client with C4 quadriplegia on how to perform tracheostomy suctioning, which instruction should the nurse be sure to include?

1) Regulate the suction machine to 300 cm suction.
2) Pass the suction catheter into the opening of the tracheostomy tube 2 to 3 cm.
3) Suction for 10 to 15 seconds at a time.
4) Apply suction to the catheter during insertion only.

Answer 1

When assisting with tracheostomy suctioning for a client with C4 quadriplegia, the nurse should instruct the family to regulate the suction machine, insert the catheter properly, suction for a specific duration, and apply suction correctly. Options 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assisting with the education of the family of a client with C4 quadriplegia on how to perform tracheostomy suctioning, the nurse should include the following instructions:

1. Regulate the suction machine to 100-150 mmHg suction (not cm). This is the standard range for adult tracheostomy suctioning.
2. Pass the suction catheter into the opening of the tracheostomy tube 2 to 4 cm. Inserting the catheter too far can cause trauma to the patient.
3. Suction for 10 to 15 seconds at a time. Over-suctioning can lead to tissue damage and hypoxia.
4. Apply suction to the catheter while withdrawing from the tracheostomy tube, not during insertion. Applying suction during insertion can cause damage to the airway and mucous membranes.

Hence, the right answer is options 1, 2, 3, and 4.