Adult Health 1 Final Exam Related

Review Adult Health 1 Final Exam related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is on mechanical ventilation. What is the priority nursing intervention?

  • A. Suction the tracheostomy as needed
  • B. Ensure the tracheostomy ties are secure
  • C. Provide humidified oxygen
  • D. Clean any exudate around the tracheostomy site
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with a tracheostomy on mechanical ventilation is to suction the tracheostomy as needed. Suctioning is essential to maintain a clear airway and prevent respiratory distress. While ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure (choice B) is important, it is not as urgent as airway maintenance. Providing humidified oxygen (choice C) is beneficial but does not address the immediate need for airway clearance. Cleaning exudate around the tracheostomy site (choice D) is important for hygiene but takes precedence over ensuring airway patency through suctioning.