The nurse in pediatric intensive care is caring for an infant whose respiratory rate is 50 with nasal flaring, grunting and expe
riencing thick yellow nasal discharge. vital signs are stable with oxygen saturation of 96% on 0.25 l of oxygen via face mask. chest physiotherapy has been completed, and the infant is sleeping in the supine position. what should be the nurse's next intervention?
The answer would be: Suction the nares The infant showing respiratory distress symptoms like increased respiratory rate, nasal flaring, and grunting. Thick nasal discharge can obstruct the respiratory tract physically, makes the infant hard to breathe. Suction can help removing the discharge, thus making the infant easier to breathe.
