Intro into suctioning

Question 1

What are some limitations to suctioning?

Answer 1

• Increased ICP
• Tracheal trauma
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Suctioning induced hypoxaemia
• Patient’s pain and anxiety
• Unstable BP

Question 2

What are the five types of suctioning?

Answer 2

Endotracheal
Tracheostomy
Oropharyngeal
Nasopharyngeal
Oral

Question 3

What is the most common type of suctioning?

Answer 3

Endotracheal (ETT)

Question 4

What is endotracheal suctioning?

Answer 4

Suction that is performed through an endotracheal tube (ETT) to clear secretions in the lower trachea

Question 5

What formula is used to determine the size of the suction catheter?

Answer 5

(ETT size x 2) - 2

eg (8 x 2) - 2 = size 14 catheter

Question 6

Which suction pressure is generally recommended?

Answer 6

200 mmHg

Question 7

What is tracheostomy suctioning?

Answer 7

Suctioning via a hole within the trachea (tracheostomy) bypassing the mouth and vocal cords

Question 8

Where does oropharyngeal suctioning target?

Answer 8

Secretions that have pooled in the back of the throat (pharynx)

Question 9

What is the difference between oropharyngeal suctioning and nasopharyngeal suctioning?

Answer 9

Oropharyngeal is inserted through mouth

Nasopharyngeal is inserted through nose

Both target secretion within pharynx