The nurse is changing the ties of the client with a tracheotomy. The safest method of changing the tracheotomy ties is to: A. Apply the new tie before removing the old one B. Have a helper present C. Hold the tracheotomy with the nondominant hand while removing the old tie D. Ask the doctor to suture the tracheotomy in place

In this multiple-choice question, the student is given four options: A. Apply the new tie before removing the old one B. Have a helper present C. Hold the tracheotomy with the nondominant hand while removing the old tie D. Ask the doctor to suture the tracheotomy in place

Consider each option and the safety implications of each method: A. Applying the new tie before removing the old one ensures that the tracheotomy stays secure throughout the changing process - a safety advantage. B. Having a helper present means that the nurse has another person with knowledge and experience to aid in ensuring safety during the procedure. C. Holding the tracheotomy with the nondominant hand creates more room for error, potentially allowing for missed hand-eye coordination, which could potentially pose a hazard. D. Asking the doctor to suture the tracheotomy in place is not an appropriate method for simply changing ties. The sutures may not be necessary, and it's the nurse's responsibility to handle tracheotomy ties day-to-day, not the doctor's.

Considering the implications of each option, Option A - applying the new tie before removing the old one - is the safest method for changing tracheotomy ties. This ensures that the tracheotomy remains secure throughout the process while also allowing the nurse to perform the task autonomously.