A nurse is caring for an intubated patient on a mechanical ventilator. The patient is in need of endotracheal (ET) suction. The nurse should expect to find which of the following?

Explanation

•Suctioning is indicated for the presence of wet respirations, rhonchi (sound like snoring), increased peak inspiratory pressure, bubbling in the ET tube, restlessness, and increased respiratory and heart rates.

•Increased O2 requirements result from poor ventilation secondary to mucous in the airways.

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