HESI Fundamentals Practice Questions Related

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The nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is unable to clear secretions by coughing. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

  • A. Encourage the client to take deep breaths.
  • B. Provide humidified oxygen via tracheostomy collar.
  • C. Suction the tracheostomy tube as needed.
  • D. Change the tracheostomy dressing daily.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Suctioning the tracheostomy tube as needed is the most appropriate action in this scenario. When a client with a tracheostomy is unable to clear secretions by coughing, suctioning helps remove the excess secretions from the airway, ensuring proper breathing. Encouraging deep breaths (Choice A) may not effectively address the immediate need to clear secretions. Providing humidified oxygen (Choice B) can help with oxygenation but does not directly address the issue of clearing secretions. Changing the tracheostomy dressing daily (Choice D) is important for maintaining cleanliness but is not the priority when the client is unable to clear secretions.