suction

Question 1

How should the patient be positioned for oropharyngeal suctioning?

Answer 1

• Semi-Fowler’s position with the head turned toward the nurse.

Question 2

How should the patient be positioned for nasopharyngeal suctioning?

Answer 2

Semi-Fowler’s position with the head hyperextended (unless contraindicated).

Question 3

What should the healthcare provider wear during suctioning?

Answer 3

• Face shield or goggles.

Question 4

How should the suction equipment be prepared?

Answer 4

• Turn on the wall suction or portable suction machine and adjust the pressure regulator according to policy.
• Test the suction equipment by occluding the connection tubing.

Question 5

What should the healthcare provider do before suctioning?

Answer 5

• Open the suction catheter kit or gather the necessary equipment.
• If using the nasal approach, open the water-soluble lubricant.

Question 6

How should the healthcare provider prepare for suctioning regarding sterile technique?

Answer 6

• Don sterile gloves, keeping the dominant hand sterile and considering the non-dominant hand non-sterile.
• Pour sterile saline into the sterile container using the non-dominant hand.

Question 7

What should the healthcare provider do with the suction catheter?

Answer 7

• Pick up the suction catheter with the dominant hand and attach it to the connection tubing.

Question 8

How should the suction catheter be prepared before insertion?

Answer 8

• Put the tip of the suction catheter into the sterile container of normal saline solution and suction a small amount of normal saline solution through the catheter.
• Apply suction by placing a finger over the suction control port.

Question 9

How should the healthcare provider determine the depth of insertion for the suction catheter?

Answer 9

• For oropharyngeal suctioning: Measure the distance between the edge of the patient’s mouth and the tip of the patient’s earlobe.
• For nasopharyngeal suctioning: Measure the distance between the tip of the patient’s nose and the tip of the patient’s earlobe.

Question 10

What should the healthcare provider do regarding the patient’s oxygenation before suctioning?

Answer 10

• Remove the oxygen delivery device if present.
• Have the patient take several slow deep breaths.
• Administer supplemental oxygen if the patient’s oxygen saturation is < 94% or if the patient is in distress.