What is the priority intervention for a nurse caring for a client who has accidentally dislodged a tracheostomy tube?

Ventilating the client with a manual resuscitation bag is the priority intervention in this scenario due to the immediate need for airway management. When a tracheostomy tube is dislodged, the patient is at high risk for airway obstruction and potential respiratory distress. Utilizing a manual resuscitation bag allows the nurse to provide ventilation and deliver oxygen to the client, maintaining their oxygenation and ensuring that vital organs receive sufficient blood and oxygen until further intervention can take place.

In the context of airway emergencies, timely intervention is crucial. While checking oxygen saturation levels, attempting to reinsert the tube, or calling the rapid response team are all important actions, they may not address the immediate need for oxygenation. The provision of ventilatory support takes precedence as it directly addresses the life-threatening issue of hypoxia, thereby ensuring the patient remains stable while other necessary steps are prepared or initiated. This prioritization of interventions reflects the critical thinking and urgency required in emergency nursing care.