Question

A nurse is assessing a client while suctioning the client's tracheostomy tube. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse the client is experiencing hypoxia?

a. Increased heart rate.

b. Pink, frothy sputum.

c. Clear breath sounds.

d. Cyanotic nail beds.

Answer 1

The correct answer indicating that a client is experiencing hypoxia while suctioning their tracheostomy tube is d. Cyanotic nail beds. This is because cyanosis occurs due to a lack of oxygen in the blood, which causes a blue discoloration of the skin and nails.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a client who is experiencing hypoxia while suctioning their tracheostomy tube, there are several potential clinical findings that a nurse could identify. Among these, increased heart rate and cyanotic nail beds are direct indicators of hypoxia. During hypoxia, the heart rate increases as the body attempts to deliver more oxygenated blood to tissues. Cyanosis, as indicated by the blue discoloration of nail beds, occurs due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. Pink, frothy sputum is usually associated with pulmonary edema rather than hypoxia, and clear breath sounds would typically not indicate a state of oxygen deprivation.

In conclusion, the correct answer is d. Cyanotic nail beds which directly indicate that the client is experiencing hypoxia.