Author Question: The therapist, working at the bedside of a mechanically ventilated patient who also has a ... (Read 83 times)

nenivikky · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

The therapist, working at the bedside of a mechanically ventilated patient who also has a closed-circuit suction catheter attached, notices that this catheter system has been in-line with the ventilator breathing circuit for 2 days. What should the therapist do at this time?

A. Replace the closed-circuit suction system with a clean one.
B. Continue using the closed-circuit suction catheter connected to the breathing circuit.
C. Remove the closed-circuit suction catheter, and begin using standard open circuit suction catheters.
D. Adhere to the practice of replacing closed-circuit suction catheters every 2 days.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the side ports near the distal tip of a suction catheter?

A. to help regulate the vacuum pressure during suctioning
B. to prevent the catheter tip from tearing cells away from the tracheal mucosa
C. to facilitate seeing the suction catheter on a chest x-ray
D. to prevent damage to the cuff of the ETT

akudia · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
A. Incorrect response: See explanation B.
B. Correct response: Unless the closed-circuit suction catheter is visibly soiled or known to be contaminated, it can be replaced on the same schedule as the ventilator breathing circuit.
C. Incorrect response: See explanation B.
D. Incorrect response: See explanation B

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
A. Incorrect response: The hole at the tip of a suction catheter does not influence the vacuum pressure used for suctioning.
B. Correct response: In addition to facilitating the removal of secretions, the holes at the distal end of a suction catheter help prevent trachea mucosal damage. Without these side ports, the catheter tip would strip cells away mucosal tissues as suction is applied, and the catheter withdrawn.
C. Incorrect response: Under ordinary circumstances, a suction catheter is not inserted into the ETT when a chest x-ray is being taken.
D. Incorrect response: A suction catheter cannot damage an artificial airway.