Which technique should a nurse prioritize while suctioning a client's tracheostomy?

Using sterile technique when suctioning a client's tracheostomy is crucial for preventing infections and maintaining the integrity of the airway. The tracheostomy site and the lower respiratory tract are vulnerable to microbial contamination. By employing sterile techniques, such as wearing gloves and using sterile suction catheters, the nurse minimizes the risk of introducing pathogens into the respiratory tract during the suctioning process.

This sterile approach ensures that the suctioning is done in a manner that protects both the patient and the healthcare provider from potential infections. Proper hand hygiene and sterile equipment are foundational practices in ensuring patient safety during the procedure.

In contrast, other choices may not align with best practices. For instance, suctioning every hour may not be necessary unless clinically indicated or prescribed, and routine instillation of sterile normal saline before suctioning is generally not recommended as it may increase the risk of aspiration. Applying suction only when inserting the catheter is also inappropriate because it can cause trauma to the airway and is not an effective method for clearing secretions. Thus, maintaining sterile technique clearly stands out as the priority in this situation.