Question

The nurse notes thick, white respiratory secretions from a patient who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which intervention will be most effective in resolving this problem?

A) Increase fluid intake to loosen the secretion.
B) Suction the patient every hour even after removal of the secretions.
C) Reposition the patient every 4 hours.
D) Instill 5 mL of sterile saline into the endotracheal tube (ET) before suctioning.

Answer 1

The most effective intervention to resolve thick respiratory secretions in a patient receiving mechanical ventilation is to instill 5 mL of sterile saline into the endotracheal tube (ET) before suctioning.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most effective intervention in resolving the problem of thick, white respiratory secretions in a patient receiving mechanical ventilation is to instill 5 mL of sterile saline into the endotracheal tube (ET) before suctioning. This intervention helps to thin and loosen the secretions, making them easier to remove.

Increasing fluid intake may be beneficial for overall hydration, but it may not directly address the issue of thick respiratory secretions. Suctioning every hour, even after the removal of the secretions, may cause irritation and trauma to the airways. Repositioning the patient every 4 hours helps prevent complications like pressure ulcers but may not directly address the respiratory secretions.