Question

Which assessment finding obtained by the nurse when caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning?

a. The patient was last suctioned 6 hours ago.
b. The patient's oxygen saturation drops to 93%.
c. The patient's respiratory rate is 32 breaths/min.
d. The patient has occasional audible expiratory wheezes.

Answer 1

The assessment finding that indicates the need for suctioning in a patient receiving mechanical ventilation is an elevated respiratory rate of 32 breaths/min.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment finding obtained by the nurse when caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation that indicates the need for suctioning is option c. The patient's respiratory rate is 32 breaths/min.

The respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute. An elevated respiratory rate can indicate the need for suctioning in a patient receiving mechanical ventilation, as it may suggest respiratory distress or difficulty in clearing secretions. In this case, a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/min is higher than the average range under non-exertion conditions (12-15 breaths/min), indicating a potential need for suctioning to clear mucus or secretions from the patient's airway.