Saunders Respiratory Practice 2025 - Free Respiratory Practice Questions and Study Guide

Hyperoxygenating the client before suctioning is an appropriate intervention because suctioning can temporarily reduce the oxygen levels in the blood due to the disruption of airflow and potential airway irritation. Hyperoxygenation helps to ensure that the client maintains adequate oxygen saturation levels during the procedure. This practice is crucial, especially for patients with compromised respiratory function, as it minimizes the risk of hypoxia.

By providing additional oxygen prior to suctioning, you prepare the patient's respiratory system to withstand the temporary loss of airflow and the potential increase in respiratory effort that may occur as a result of the suctioning process. This proactive step is standard practice in respiratory therapy to support the patient's overall respiratory status and comfort during suctioning.