Question

A nurse is observing a student preparing to suction a pediatric client through a tracheostomy. The nurse intervenes if the student verbalizes to:

a) Insert the suction catheter without applying suction
b) Suction for 10-15 seconds at a time
c) Apply suction while withdrawing the catheter
d) Use a suction pressure of 80-120 mmHg

Answer 1

The nurse should intervene if the student plans to use a suction pressure of 80-120 mmHg for a pediatric tracheostomy, as this is too high. Instead, a pressure of 40-80 mmHg is recommended to prevent damage to the airway.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing to suction a pediatric client through a tracheostomy, the student would need to insert the suction catheter without applying suction and apply suction while withdrawing the catheter to clear the airway effectively. A common mistake for the nurse to intervene would be if the student verbalizes to use a suction pressure of 80-120 mmHg. This pressure is generally too high for pediatric clients; the recommended suction pressure for a pediatric patient is typically between 40-80 mmHg to avoid damaging the delicate tissues of the child's airway. Suctioning for 10-15 seconds at a time is typically considered acceptable but it is important to monitor the patient's oxygenation and other vital signs during the procedure.