Suctioning

Question 1

Indications

Answer 1

To remove mucous, vomitus secretions, blood and sputum from the oropharynx or hypopharynx that will compromise breathing

Question 2

Contraindications

Answer 2

None

Question 3

Procedure 1

Answer 3

Standard precautions

Question 4

Procedure 2

Answer 4

Test device by occluding distal end of tubing to confirm a vacuum reading of >300 mm hg

Question 5

Procedure 3

Answer 5

Set unit to the appropriate pressure(120 mm/hg adult , 80- 120 mm/hg children)

Question 6

Procedure 4

Answer 6

Attach the appropriate suction tip

Question 7

Procedure 5

Answer 7

If possible pre-oxygenate the patient with 100% O2

Question 8

Procedure 6

Answer 8

Measure the proper insertion depth, by measuring from corner of patients mouth to the tip of the earlobe or angle of the jaw

Question 9

Procedure 7

Answer 9

Open the patients mouth using an approved technique and insert bite block

Question 10

Procedure 8

Answer 10

Insert suction catheter into oropharynx, then apply suction on the way out only

Question 11

Procedure 9

Answer 11

Suction the pharynx and hypo-pharyngeal areas for no more than 10 secs

Question 12

Procedure 10

Answer 12

Shorter suction times should be used for (children 5-10 sec, infants 5 sec)

Question 13

Procedure 11

Answer 13

Re-oxygenate the patient for at least 30 seconds and reassess the need for additional suctioning.