The nurse is receiving shift report about a patient who has a tracheostomy. The nurse learns that the patient was suctioned seven times during the past shift and has questioned the necessity of such frequent suctioning.
Why is it important not to perform unnecessary tracheal suctioning?
A) Excessive suctioning can result in bronchospasm.
B) Frequent suctioning inhibits the patient's existing cough reflex.
C) Excessive suctioning produces rebound production of secretions.
D) Frequent suctioning is a risk factor for respiratory alkalosis.
Question 2
The patient tells the nurse that he is legally blind. This information provides the nurse with which information to use in planning care?
a. No vision enhancement techniques would be appropriate for this patient, because he is totally blind.
b. This patient probably has some light perception, but no usable vision.
c. This patient has some usable vision, which enables him to function at an acceptable level.
d. Further questioning is needed to determine how this patient's visual impairment affects his normal functioning.