NCLEX Practice Test RN Practice Question
A 68-year-old client developed acute respiratory distress syndrome while hospitalized for pneumonia. After a respiratory arrest, an endotracheal tube was inserted. Several days later, numerous attempts to wean him from mechanical ventilation were ineffective, and a tracheostomy was created. For the first 24 hours following tracheostomy, it is important to minimize bleeding around the insertion site. The nurse can accomplish this by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The tracheal cuff should not be deflated within the first 24 hours following surgery. To minimize bleeding, any manipulation, including cuff deflation, should be avoided. Small amounts of crepitus are expected to occur; however, large amounts or expansion of the area of crepitus should be reported to the physician. The tracheostomy site may be changed as often as necessary, but site care should be done with normal saline.
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