A tracheostomy was inserted into a patient with COPD to relieve airway obstruction. The nurse knows that the patient is at risk for ineffective airway clearance if:

Explanation

•Thick secretions can impair the patient's ability to clear the airway, putting them at risk for hypoxia.

•Bronchovesicular lung sounds are normal when heard between the 1st and 2nd intercostal spaces.

•Removing sedation will increase the patient's alertness and his ability to clear secretions.

•Attempting to cough through the tracheostomy tube is beneficial and will help clear the lungs of secretions.

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