A patient with head trauma following a motor vehicle accident is on mechanical ventilation with an endotracheal tube.Which action by the nurse will reduce the risk for elevations in intracranial pressure during suctioning?
A)Avoid hyperoxygenating the patient before suctioning.
B)Insert the suction catheter just to the end of the endotracheal tube.
C)Apply suction while inserting the catheter.
D)Limit suctioning to 2 times with each suctioning procedure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Suctioning can cause elevations in intracranial pressure in patients with head injury.To reduce the risk,the nurse should hyperoxygenate the patient before suctioning and should suction only twice with each suctioning procedure.The catheter is inserted past the end of the endotracheal tube until resistance is met to adequately remove secretions from the airway.Suction should be applied while the catheter is removed.

A Patient with Head Trauma Following a Motor Vehicle Accident