What should a nurse do if a client with inner maxillary fixation begins to vomit?

In the case of a client with inner maxillary fixation who begins to vomit, cutting the mouth wires is the appropriate action. This client has their jaws secured to assist with healing or stabilization, which can present significant risks during episodes of vomiting, such as aspiration or airway obstruction.

When vomiting occurs, it is crucial to ensure that the airway remains clear and that the client can expel the contents effectively. Cutting the mouth wires allows for immediate relief and helps prevent complications by permitting the client to open their mouth and manage the vomit safely.

Other methods, such as administering antiemetics, may help prevent nausea but do not address the immediate problem of preventing aspiration or airway blockage during vomiting. Suctioning the mouth could be difficult or ineffective if the client’s mouth is secured. Placing the client in a supine position could also hinder vomitus escape, increasing the risk of aspiration and airway compromise. Thus, cutting the mouth wires is the definitive action to take in this scenario.