Tracheostomy And Airway Care Practice Test

A 51-year-old client with a tracheostomy for obstructive sleep apnea is on a medical-surgical unit. The nurse notes the client’s oxygen saturation is 94% and vital signs are stable, but the client has copious thin secretions and frequent coughing. Which assessment finding requires IMMEDIATE intervention?

A 76-year-old client with a tracheostomy is on a medical-surgical unit. During suctioning, the nurse notes the client becomes bradycardic (heart rate drops from 82/min to 52/min) and oxygen saturation decreases to 88%; blood pressure is 110/68 mm Hg. Which nursing action is most appropriate?