What nursing care is included for the patient with an ET tube?

For a patient with an endotracheal (ET) tube, hyperoxygenating before and after suctioning is an essential nursing care practice. This is crucial because suctioning can induce hypoxemia due to the temporary deprivation of oxygen-rich air. By providing additional oxygen before the procedure, the patient's oxygen saturation can be better maintained during and after suctioning. Hyperoxygenation helps to ensure that there are adequate oxygen reserves in the lungs, minimizing the impact of suctioning on arterial oxygen levels.

This approach is particularly important in patients who may already be experiencing compromised respiratory function, as is often the case with those requiring mechanical ventilation or support in conditions such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Other options do not align with standard practices: hourly cuff pressure checks are important but generally not required every hour unless certain conditions are present; keeping a tracheostomy tray at the bedside may be a consideration for patients at risk of needing tracheostomy but does not apply universally to all ET tube patients; and reusing suction catheters is unsanitary and can increase the risk of infection, as suction catheters should be single-use to ensure patient safety and maintain aseptic technique.