Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about performing suctioning to a client who is being discharged following a tracheostomy. Which of the following behaviors of the client indicates that teaching has been effective?

a) Suctioning the tracheostomy tube every hour
b) Performing suctioning with a clean glove on one hand
c) Placing the suction catheter into the tracheostomy tube without applying suction
d) Limiting suctioning time to 10 seconds

Answer 1

Effective teaching on tracheostomy suctioning is demonstrated by the client knowing to limit suction time to 10 seconds, use a clean glove, and only apply suction on withdrawal.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a client who is being discharged following a tracheostomy about performing suctioning, the behavior that indicates effective teaching is limiting suctioning time to 10 seconds. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube should not be done excessively, such as every hour, as it may cause irritation and damage to the tracheal lining. It is important to use a clean, preferably sterile glove during the procedure to prevent infection. Lastly, the client is taught to insert the suction catheter without applying suction and only apply suction while withdrawing the catheter to prevent tissue damage.