Question

A nurse receives prescriptions from the provider for performing nasopharyngeal suctioning on four clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse clarify the provider's prescription?

A) Client with a history of pneumonia
B) Client with a nasopharyngeal tumor
C) Client with a recent nosebleed
D) Client with chronic bronchitis

Answer 1

The nurse should clarify the provider's prescription for nasopharyngeal suctioning for the client with a nasopharyngeal tumor, as the procedure could cause harm, while it may be appropriate for the other mentioned clients after careful assessment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should clarify the provider's prescription for nasopharyngeal suctioning for the client with a nasopharyngeal tumor. Nasopharyngeal suctioning could potentially harm a client with a tumor in that area due to the risk of bleeding or dislodging the tumor. In comparison, clients with a history of pneumonia, recent nosebleeds, or chronic bronchitis are common indications for suctioning to help clear secretions and maintain a patent airway, although caution must be taken in the case of a recent nosebleed to avoid aggravating the situation. Thus, nasopharyngeal suctioning may be appropriate after assessing the risks and benefits for those clients.