Tracheostomy Suctioning: Ensuring Safety and Effectiveness
What is the most important safety measure the nurse must remember when suctioning a client with a tracheostomy?
1) Hyperventilate the client with room air prior to suctioning
2) Initiate suction only when the catheter is being withdrawn
3) Insert the catheter until the cough reflex is stimulated
4) Remove the inner cannula before inserting the suction catheter
Answer:
The most crucial safety measure to remember when suctioning a tracheostomy is to initiate suction only as the catheter is being withdrawn.
When suctioning a client with a tracheostomy, the most important safety measure a nurse must remember is to initiate suction only when the catheter is being withdrawn. This key step helps minimize potential harm and maximizes effectiveness in removing secretions.
Straying from this method can cause trauma to the trachea and discomfort for the patient. Proper suctioning should be performed carefully and professionally to ensure the well-being of the patient. Unlike procedures such as endotracheal intubation during general anesthesia, which aims to maintain an open airway to the lungs, suctioning a tracheostomy requires a specific technique to prevent complications.
By following this critical safety measure, nurses can effectively remove secretions while reducing the risk of harm to the patient. This approach ensures the procedure is conducted safely and improves patient outcomes. Remembering this important step is essential in providing quality care to clients with tracheostomies.