Endotracheal suctioning should be stopped upon which of the following findings?

• A. Thick secretions
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Patient complaint
• D. Coughing

Answer: (B)

Stopping endotracheal suctioning is necessary when bradycardia is observed. Bradycardia, which refers to an abnormally slow heart rate, can be a sign of hypoxia or vagal response triggered by irritation during the suctioning process. This physiological response indicates that the patient may be under distress, and continuing to suction could exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to further complications like desaturation or cardiac issues.

In contrast, thick secretions, patient complaints, and coughing may all be signals indicating that suctioning is needed, rather than reasons to stop. Thick secretions could indicate a need for suctioning to maintain patent airways, while patient complaints might suggest discomfort rather than an acute need to cease suctioning. Coughing can be a reflex to clear secretions and does not necessarily indicate a problem; in many cases, it can demonstrate that the airway is being stimulated and could help in retaining airway patency. Thus, maintaining awareness of the patient's heart rate is crucial, as it directly influences the safety and efficacy of the suctioning procedure.