Suctioning is
the removal of excessive secretions by inserting a catheter through a tube and applying negative pressure
. The clinician should be aware of the major complications of airway suctioning: hypoxemia, cardiac arrhythmia, lung collapse, and infections.
When do you use a suction catheter?
Suctioning is done
when you wake up in the morning and right before you go to bed in the evening
. Suctioning is also done after any respiratory treatments. In addition, suctioning may be needed when you: Have a moist cough that does not clear secretions.
What is the suction catheter used for?
A suction catheter can
help prevent aspiration in a patient undergoing dental treatment
, especially if the patient is in an altered state of consciousness. Patients at risk of aspiration–such as those with pneumonia, continuous vomiting, or a bloody airway–may need suctioning to prevent aspiration.
What are the two types of suction catheters?
- Tip catheters are used for nasal and oral suctioning.
- Little Suckers are used for nasal and oral suctioning.
- Yankauer catheter is used for oral suctioning.
- A longer suction catheter can be used for nasal, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning, as seen in the image below.
What is suction and how is it used?
In medicine, devices are sometimes necessary to create suction. Suction may be
used to clear the airway of blood, saliva, vomit, or other secretions
so that a patient may breathe. Suctioning can prevent pulmonary aspiration, which can lead to lung infections.
When should you not use suction?
So aggressive oral suctioning is something you should avoid. As
long as the drooling doesn’t impede the airway
, simply let the patient drool and keep them in a position of comfort. But keep that suction unit handy, for you never know when you might need it! 2011, Pollak, A., Ed.
What is the most common complication of suctioning?
A slow heart rate, known as bradycardia
, is one of the most common suctioning complications, likely because suctioning stimulates the vagus nerve. This increases the risk of fainting and loss of consciousness. In patients in cardiac distress, it can elevate the risk of severe cardiovascular complications.
How long will you insert suction catheter?
receiving oxygen while you are suctioning.
After inserting the catheter the measured distance initiate suctioning as you retract the catheter in a sweeping motion. Do not suction too long! The maximum suction time should
only be 15 seconds
. After suctioning, re-oxygenate the patient.
How long should a suction procedure last?
Apply suction for a maximum of
10 to 15 seconds
. Allow patient to rest in between suction for 30 seconds to 1 minute. 10. If required, replace oxygen on patient and clear out suction catheter by placing yankauer in the basin of water.
What are the types of suction?
Nasotracheal
suctioning: Nasotracheal suctioning, like nasopharyngeal suctioning, accesses the airway through the nose, but is reserved for middle and lower airway issues. Suctioning through an artificial airway: Artificial airways must regularly be cleared of secretions, and suctioning supports this goal.
What is a soft suction catheter called?
(
Yankeur
/soft catheter)
How do I know what size suction catheter to use?
The current American Association for Respiratory Care clinical practice guidelines recommend choosing suction catheter size based on the external diameter of the suction catheter and the internal diameter of the endotracheal tube:
a ratio of < 50% is recommended
, to prevent suctioning-related complications, including …
How do you use suction at home?
Suction a small amount of saline through the tubing to make sure it is open (Picture 1).
Gently insert the catheter into a nostril
. Keep the end of the connector open while inserting the catheter. Cover the open end of the connector and suction out the mucus (Picture 2).
How does a suction device work?
How Portable Suction Machines Work. Portable suction machines
generate negative pressure
, which is channeled through a special type of plastic connecting tube called a single-use catheter. The negative pressure creates a vacuum effect that pulls any blood, mucus, or similar secretions out of the throat.
