During nasotracheal suctioning, which observation should raise concern for the nurse?

During nasotracheal suctioning, which observation should raise concern for the nurse?

• A. Secretions are becoming bloody
• B. The client exhibits normal respiratory effort
• C. The client reports throat discomfort
• D. Secretions are thick and yellow

Answer: (A)

Observing that secretions are becoming bloody during nasotracheal suctioning is a significant concern for the nurse. Bloody secretions may indicate trauma to the airways, which can occur due to excessive suctioning, improper technique, or underlying health issues such as infections or coagulopathy. This observation necessitates prompt evaluation to ensure the patient's airway remains safe and to determine the underlying cause of the bleeding. While normal respiratory effort is expected and indicates adequate breathing, throat discomfort may be a minor side effect of the procedure, and thick yellow secretions typically suggest infection but do not pose an immediate risk like the presence of blood. Blood in secretions, however, is an alarming sign that requires immediate attention and further assessment to prevent complications.

Observing that secretions are becoming bloody during nasotracheal suctioning is a significant concern for the nurse. Bloody secretions may indicate trauma to the airways, which can occur due to excessive suctioning, improper technique, or underlying health issues such as infections or coagulopathy. This observation necessitates prompt evaluation to ensure the patient's airway remains safe and to determine the underlying cause of the bleeding.

While normal respiratory effort is expected and indicates adequate breathing, throat discomfort may be a minor side effect of the procedure, and thick yellow secretions typically suggest infection but do not pose an immediate risk like the presence of blood. Blood in secretions, however, is an alarming sign that requires immediate attention and further assessment to prevent complications.