Which of the following methods can help to reduce the likelihood of atelectasis due to tracheal suctioning?

1. Limit the amount of negative pressure used.
2. Hyperinflate the patient before and after the procedure.
3. Suction for as short a period of time as possible.
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2, and 3

ANS: D
Atelectasis can be caused by removal of too much air from the lungs. You can avoid this compli-cation by (1) limiting the amount of negative pressure used, (2) keeping the duration of suction-ing as short as possible, and (3) providing hyperinflation before and after the procedure.