A nurse in intensive coronary care is caring for a client with an endotracheal tube who underwent coronary bypass surgery. The client awakens and attempts to communicate. Which nursing interventions should the nurse perform? Select all that apply.

  • offer a communication board
  • ask simple yes/no questions
  • ask open-ended questions
  • offer an electrolarynx
Numbers 1 and 2 are correct.
Communication boards are highly effective in allowing clients to express their needs. Similarly, yes/no questions allow ease in communicating needs with minimal frustration. Open-ended questions require oral communication the client with an endotracheal tube cannot perform. An electrolarynx, a battery-powered handheld device that transmits sound when pressed against the oropharyngeal cavity, is used for clients with a tracheostomy.