Question

which assessment finding by the nurse caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning

Answer 1

Assessment findings that indicate the need for suctioning in a patient on mechanical ventilation include crackles or wheezes in the lungs, low oxygen saturation levels, and changes in respiratory effort.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation, the nurse needs to assess for signs that indicate the need for suctioning. One important assessment finding is the presence of crackles or wheezes in the patient's lungs. These abnormal lung sounds can suggest the presence of excessive secretions that need to be suctioned.

Another finding is a decrease in the patient's oxygen saturation levels as measured by a pulse oximeter. If the patient's oxygen levels are consistently low, it may indicate that the airway is obstructed and suctioning is necessary to clear the secretions and improve ventilation.

Finally, the nurse should also monitor for changes in the patient's respiratory effort. If the patient appears to be struggling to breathe or breathes more rapidly, it could be a sign of airway obstruction and suctioning may be required.