A nurse is caring for a child who has a tracheostomy. After suctioning the tracheostomy, the nurse should use which of the following findings to determine that the procedure was effective?

Rationale: A. Brisk capillary refill indicates adequate perfusion but does not reflect airway patency. B. Stable oxygen saturation is important but does not directly confirm removal of airway secretions. C. Clear breath sounds after suctioning indicate that the airway is patent and secretions have been successfully removed, making this the most direct indicator of effectiveness. D. An increased respiratory rate could indicate distress or hypoxia, not successful suctioning.