Which of the following conditions are complications of endotracheal suctioning? I. low vacuum pressures II. elevated intracranial pressure III. derecruitment IV. loss of mentation

A. I, III only
B. II, III only
C. II, IV only
D. II, III, IV only

ANS: B
A. Incorrect response: See explanation B.
B. Correct response: Complications of ET suctioning include: (1) hypoxemia, (2) airway trauma, (3) cardiac dysrhythmias, (4) derecruitment, (5) bronchospasm, (6) airway contamination, (9) elevated intracranial pressure, and coughing. Some patients experience alveolar collapse during suctioning, especially when the vacuum pressure is applied too long. To minimize the occurrence of derecruitment, the therapist needs to apply vacuum pressure only during withdrawal of the suction catheter, and limit the procedure to 10 to 15 seconds.
A low vacuum pressure is not a complication of ET suctioning. Suctioning does not cause the patient to loose the ability to think.
C. Incorrect response: See explanation B.
D. Incorrect response: See explanation B.