NCLEX RN Practice Exam Related

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The nurse is making initial rounds on a client with a C5 fracture. The client is in a halo vest and is receiving O2 at 40% via mask to a tracheostomy. Assessment reveals a respiratory rate of 40 and O2 saturation of 88. The client is restless. Which initial nursing action is most indicated?

  • A. Notifying the physician
  • B. Performing tracheal suctioning
  • C. Repositioning the client to the left side
  • D. Rechecking the client's O2 saturation
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Restlessness, tachypnea, and low O2 saturation suggest airway obstruction or secretions. Tracheal suctioning is the initial action to clear the airway and improve oxygenation.