A 19-year-old patient has a size 7 mm ID nasotracheal tube placed through the right nare. While attempting to suction the patient with a size 12 Fr catheter, resistance is met as the catheter is introduced into the endotracheal tube. The respiratory therapist should

• A. lubricate the catheter with petroleum jelly prior to suctioning.
• B. instill acetylcysteine into the endotracheal tube.
• C. switch to a 10 Fr suction catheter.
• D. extubate the patient and reintubate with a size 9 mm ID endotracheal tube.

Answer: (C)