LPN Nursing Fundamentals Related

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The nurse is suctioning a client through a tracheal tube. During the procedure, the nurse notes on the cardiac monitor that the heart rate has dropped 10 beats. Which should be the nurse's next action?

  • A. Notify the registered nurse immediately.
  • B. Stop the procedure and oxygenate the client.
  • C. Continue to suction the client at a quicker pace.
  • D. Ensure that the suction is limited to 15 seconds.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A 10-beat heart rate drop during suctioning suggests vagal stimulation or hypoxia; stopping the procedure and oxygenating (B) is the next action to reverse this. Notifying the RN (A) or limiting time (D) follows. Continuing (C) risks worsening. B is correct. Rationale: Suctioning can trigger bradycardia via vagal nerve activation or oxygen depletion; halting and oxygenating restores stability, a critical step per airway management guidelines, preventing further cardiac compromise.