Saunders Respiratory Practice

Which action should be taken regarding suctioning in response to client distress?

1. Continue suctioning with more pressure

2. Discontinue suctioning until stabilized

3. Change the suctioning frequency

4. Notify a dermatologist

The correct answer is: Discontinue suctioning until stabilized

Discontinuing suctioning until the client is stabilized is the appropriate response in cases of client distress. This action prioritizes the safety and comfort of the patient. Suctioning can be a distressing procedure, potentially leading to complications such as hypoxia or increased respiratory distress if done excessively or with too much force. If a patient exhibits signs of distress during suctioning, it is essential to stop the procedure, assess the patient's condition, and provide any necessary interventions to ensure their stability before considering resuming suctioning. Ensuring that the patient is stable is critical to prevent further complications and allow for a more tolerable procedure when it is resumed. In contrast, continuing suctioning with more pressure could exacerbate the distress and lead to further complications. Changing the suctioning frequency may not address the immediate issue of distress, as it does not resolve the underlying problem at that moment. Notifying a dermatologist is not relevant in this context, as this procedure and response pertain to respiratory care rather than dermatological issues.