Author Question: Which is an important nursing consideration when suctioning a young child who has had heart surgery? ... (Read 41 times)

stock · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

Which is an important nursing consideration when suctioning a young child who has had heart surgery?

a. Perform suctioning at least every hour.
b. Suction for no longer than 30 seconds at a time.
c. Administer supplemental oxygen before and after suctioning.
d. Expect symptoms of respiratory distress when suctioning.

Question 2

Seventy-two hours after cardiac surgery, a young child has a temperature of 101 F. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Keep child warm with blankets.
b. Apply a hypothermia blanket.
c. Record temperature on nurses' notes.
d. Report findings to physician.

chjcharjto14 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
If suctioning is indicated, supplemental oxygen is administered with a manual resuscitation bag before and after the procedure to prevent hypoxia. Suctioning should be done only as indicated, not on a routine basis. The child should be suctioned for no more than 5 seconds at one time. Symptoms of respiratory distress are avoided by using appropriate technique.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
In the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, the body temperature may increase to 37.7 C (100 F) as part of the inflammatory response to tissue trauma. If the temperature is higher or continues after this period, it is most likely a sign of an infection and immediate investigation is indicated. Blankets should be removed from the child to keep the temperature from increasing. Hypothermia blanket is not indicated for this level of temperature. The temperature should be recorded, but the physician must be notified for evaluation. Suctioning should be done only as indicated, not on a routine basis. The child should be suctioned for no more than 5 seconds at one time. Symptoms of respiratory distress are avoided by using appropriate technique.