A nurse is caring for a client who is in respiratory distress and requires endotracheal suctioning. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Use clean technique when suctioning the client's endotracheal tube.
B. Use a rotating motion when removing the suction catheter.
C. Suction the oropharyngeal cavity prior to suctioning the endotracheal tube.
D. Suction the client's endotracheal tube every 2 hours.

The nurse should suction the oropharyngeal cavity prior to suctioning the endotracheal tube. Clean technique should not be used. A rotating motion should not be used when removing the suction catheter. The endotracheal tube should not be suctioned every 2 hours.

Explanation:

The nurse should suction the oropharyngeal cavity prior to suctioning the endotracheal tube. This is because the oropharynx may contain secretions or debris that could be suctioned into the tube and create an obstruction.

Using a clean technique when suctioning the client's endotracheal tube is incorrect. Sterile technique should be used to prevent infection.

Using a rotating motion when removing the suction catheter is incorrect. The suction catheter should be gently withdrawn without rotation to avoid damaging the client's airway.

Suctioning the client's endotracheal tube every 2 hours is incorrect. The nurse should only suction the endotracheal tube when clinically indicated, such as when the client exhibits signs of respiratory distress or the tube is visibly obstructed.