Question

The nurse is preparing to perform nasotracheal suctioning on a patient. Which of the following would be an appropriate nursing action?

A) To effectively suction the left main stem bronchus, turn the patient's head to the left.
B) When suctioning artificial airways, it is important to apply suction during insertion.
C) Hyperoxygenate the patient prior to suctioning and allow 1 to 2 minutes between suction passes.
D) For open nasotracheal suctioning, clean gloves are appropriate.

Answer 1

Hyperoxygenate the patient prior to nasotracheal suctioning and allow rest between passes is an appropriate nursing action. Suction should only be applied while withdrawing the catheter and sterile gloves are required.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is preparing to perform nasotracheal suctioning on a patient. An appropriate nursing action would be hyperoxygenate the patient prior to suctioning and allow 1 to 2 minutes between suction passes. This ensures the patient's oxygenation is maintained and reduces the risk of hypoxemia due to the suctioning process. It is incorrect to apply suction during insertion, as it should only be applied while withdrawing the suction catheter. Turning the patient's head to the left doesn't necessarily target the left main stem bronchus for suctioning efficiently. Furthermore, for open nasotracheal suctioning procedures, sterile gloves should be used to maintain asepsis, not clean gloves.