Kaplan NCLEX Readiness Exam Terms in this set (180)

The nurse cares for a client with a cuffed tracheostomy tube. Before performing oral care, the nurse notes that the client's tracheostomy cuff is inflated. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate action for the nurse to take? 1. Leave the cuff inflated and suction through the tracheostomy. 2. Deflate the cuff and suction through the tracheostomy tube. 3. Inflate the cuff pressure to 40 mm Hg before suctioning. 4. Adjust the wall suction pressure to 160 to 180 mm Hg before suctioning. 1) CORRECT - Implementation: outcome desired; cuff inflation decreases the risk of aspiration; cuff position and pressure should be assessed frequently; swallowing and breathing will cause tracheostomy tube movement 2) Implementation: outcome not desired; accumulated oral secretions above the cuff will drain into the bronchi; increased risk of infection 3) Implementation: outcome not desired; cuff pressure should be less than 20 mm Hg (25 cm H2O); risk of trauma to trachea with higher pressures 4) Implementation: outcome not desired; increases the risk of trauma to lower airways