A nurse is preparing to perform endotracheal suctioning for a client. The nurse should follow which of the following guidelines? (Select all that apply)

A. Apply suction while withdrawing the catheter.
B. Perform suctioning on a routine basis every 2 to 3 hours.
C. Maintain medical asepsis during suctioning.
D. Use a new catheter for each suctioning attempt.
E. Apply suction for 10 to 15 seconds.

Proper endotracheal suctioning includes applying suction while withdrawing the catheter and using a new catheter for each suctioning attempt. Routine suctioning without assessment and suction for more than 10 to 15 seconds are not recommended to avoid harm and complications.Correct option is c. Maintain medical asepsis during suctioning.

Explanation:

When a nurse is preparing to perform endotracheal suctioning, following proper guidelines ensures safety for the patient and effectiveness of the procedure. The correct options in this scenario, considering the principles of medical asepsis and patient care, would be to apply suction while withdrawing the catheter and to use a new catheter for each suctioning attempt. Applying suction while withdrawing the catheter prevents tissue damage by reducing negative pressure on the tracheal mucosa.

Using a new catheter for each attempt is essential to maintain medical asepsis and reduce the risk of infection.It is not recommended to perform suctioning routinely at set intervals, such as every 2 to 3 hours, without assessing the patient's need, as this can cause unnecessary harm. Furthermore, it is generally advised to limit suction to 10 to 15 seconds to minimize hypoxia and other complications that can occur with prolonged suctioning.