Question

While performing nasotracheal suctioning, the nurse notices that the client has blood pressure of 90/70 and a heart rate of 50 beats per minute. what is the priority nursing intervention in this situation?

Answer 1

Nasotracheal suctioning  remove fluids or mucus collecting in the airways so the patient can breathe. It literally suctions the airways through a tube threaded into the nose, so it is a delicate procedure. The values you mentioned indicate that the patient is experiencing bradycardia (slowed heartbeat) and hypotension (low blood pressure). Bradycardia and hypotension while doing nasotracheal suctioning indicate that the patient is not tolerating the procedure. In that case, stop suctioning right away and remove the catheter; that is the first priority. Then provide supplemental oxygen (on face mask if possible), and call the doctor.