Suctioning

Question 1

How often should suctioning occur?

(a) regularily
(b) every day
(c) only when needed
(d) hourly

Answer 1

(c) only when needed, not regularily

Question 2

your endotracheal tube has a diameter of 6mm. What is the approximate maximum diameter of your suctioning catheter?

(a) 5mm
(b) 4mm
(c) 3mm
(d) 2mm

Answer 2

(c) 3 mm - should not exceed about 1/2 the diameter of the tube you are sticking it in.

Question 3

If your patient is unconscious, it is not necessary to explain the procedures to them (T/F).

Answer 3

False, even if someone appears unconscious you should always explain what you are about to do.

Question 4

You are suctioning and notice the patient has very thick secretions. You decide to adjust the pressure to:

(a) 100 - 125 mm Hg
(b) 125 - 150 mm Hg
(c) 150-175 mm Hg
(d) more than 200 mm Hg

Answer 4

(b) 125-150 mm Hg is indicated for thick secretions, while 100-125 mm Hg is normally ideal

Question 5

both ends of the catheter tube are sterile at all times (T/F)

Answer 5

False - the end connecting to the wall unit is not sterile.

Question 6

How long should the suction tube remain in the patient’s airway?

(a) 5-10 seconds
(b) 10-15 seconds
(c) 15-20 seconds
(d) 20-25 seconds

Answer 6

(b) 10-15 seconds

Question 7

How long should the patient be oxygenated for?

(a) 3 minutes before
(b) 1-2 minutes before and after
(c) 3 minutes before, 1-2 minutes after
(d) 1-2 minutes before, 3 minutes after

Answer 7

(d) 1-2 minutes before, 3 minutes after. It is performed longer after due to desaturation that may occur while suctioning.

Question 8

all these make suctioning through the nose more difficult EXCEPT

(a) avoiding lubricant
(b) frowning
(c) avoiding breathing deeply or speaking
(d) rolling the catheter when it hits the back of the throat
(e) none of the above

Answer 8

(d) you want to roll the catheter when it hits the back of the throat so it turns around.

Question 9

Pneumothorax and hypotension are possible complications of suctioning T/F.

Answer 9

True!

Question 10

what is the volume given by a resuscitator bag during manual hyperinflation?

(a) about 50% more than baseline tidal volume
(b) about tidal volume
(c) about 50% less than tidal volume
(d) about 2/3 of tidal volume

Answer 10

(a) 50% more than baseline tidal volume

Question 11

manual hyperinflation…

(a) helps with secretion clearance by enhancing expiratory flow
(b) can be combined with shaking and coarse vibrations or suctioning
(c) can be performed as often as hourly if the patient has atelectasis or secretions
(d) all of the above

Answer 11

(d) all of the above