Nokea
A client with supraglottic cancer undergoes a partial laryngectomy. Postoperatively, a cuffed tracheostomy tube is in place. When removing secretions that pool above the cuff, the nurse should instruct the client to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take a deep breath as the nurse deflates the cuff. This is the correct choice because asking the client to take a deep breath while the cuff is deflated helps prevent aspiration of secretions into the lower airway. When the cuff is deflated, the tracheostomy tube provides a direct pathway for secretions to travel upwards, and taking a deep breath facilitates the movement of secretions out of the trachea.
Choice A (Cough as the cuff is being deflated) is incorrect because coughing while the cuff is being deflated can increase the risk of aspiration as secretions may be forced into the lower airway.
Choice C (Hold the breath as the cuff is being re-inflated) is incorrect as holding the breath while the cuff is being re-inflated can hinder the clearance of secretions from the trachea.
Choice D (Exhale deeply as the nurse re-inflates the cuff) is incorrect