Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Full-length
The nurse is making initial rounds on a client with a C5 fracture. The client is in a halo vest and is receiving O2 at 40% via mask to a tracheostomy. Assessment reveals a respiratory rate of 40 and O2 saturation of 88. The client is restless. Which initial nursing action is most indicated?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Restlessness, tachypnea, and low O2 saturation suggest airway obstruction or secretions. Tracheal suctioning is the initial action to clear the airway and improve oxygenation.