RN Medical/Surgical NGN HESI 2023 Related

Review RN Medical/Surgical NGN HESI 2023 related questions and content

A nurse performing nasopharyngeal suctioning suddenly notes the presence of bloody secretions. What should the nurse do first?

  • A. Continue suctioning to remove the blood
  • B. Check the degree of suction being applied
  • C. Encourage the client to cough out the bloody secretions
  • D. Remove the suction catheter from the client's nose and begin vigorous suctioning through the mouth
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the degree of suction being applied (Choice B). When bloody secretions are encountered during nasopharyngeal suctioning, it is crucial to assess the situation promptly. Checking the degree of suction being applied is the first step as excessive suction pressure may be causing trauma and bleeding. Adjusting the suction pressure may be necessary to prevent further harm. Continuing suctioning to remove the blood (Choice A) or performing vigorous suctioning through the mouth (Choice D) can lead to increased trauma and worsen bleeding. Encouraging the client to cough out the bloody secretions (Choice C) is not appropriate since the client undergoing suctioning is typically unable to expectorate secretions. Therefore, the priority is to check and adjust the suction settings to ensure safe and effective suctioning.