Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

Which assessment finding obtained by the nurse when caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning?

  • A. The patient’s oxygen saturation is 93%.
  • B. The patient was last suctioned 6 hours ago.
  • C. The patient’s respiratory rate is 32 breaths/minute.
  • D. The patient has occasional audible expiratory wheezes.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/minute indicates increased work of breathing, which could be due to secretions that need to be suctioned. High respiratory rate may suggest inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Oxygen saturation of 93% (choice A) is within an acceptable range and does not necessarily indicate the need for suctioning. Time since last suctioning (choice B) should be considered but is not as immediate an indication as an increased respiratory rate. Occasional audible expiratory wheezes (choice D) may be indicative of other respiratory issues but do not directly indicate the need for suctioning.