Suctioning

Question 1

What are the 4 passages you can perform suctioning through

Answer 1

1. Indwelling via tracheostomy tube
2. Tracheostomy tube
3. Oropharyngeal
4. nasopharyngeal

Question 2

What is indwelling suctioning

Answer 2

Closed system airway suctioning or in-line technique

Encased suction catheter in a sterile sheath attached to ventilator tubing

Question 3

What are the benefits of indwelling suctioning

Answer 3

• Does not interrupt ventilatory support
• For those requiring PEEp to maintain oxygenation and continued ventilatory support it may reduce the risk of suction-induce hypoxia and dysrhythmias
• May reduce risk of infection contamination

Question 4

For an indwelling suctioning via tracheostomy tube and tracheal suctioning via tracheostomy for pressure is used for adults

Answer 4

120-150 mmHg

Question 5

For an indwelling suctioning via tracheostomy tube and tracheal suctioning via tracheostomy for pressure is used for children

Answer 5

80-120 mmHg

Question 6

For an indwelling suctioning via tracheostomy tube and tracheal suctioning via tracheostomy for pressure is used for Infants

Answer 6

60-80 mmHg

Question 7

What is tracheal suctioning

Answer 7

suctioning directly via a tracheostomy tube

Question 8

What is modified sterile technique

Answer 8

sterile catheters and clean gloves

Question 9

What is the appropriate suction catheter size for adults

Answer 9

10-16 Fr

Question 10

What is the appropriate suction catheter size for children

Answer 10

6-10 Fr

Question 11

What is the appropriate suction catheter size for infants

Answer 11

5-6 Fr

Question 12

What is oropharyngeal suctioning

Answer 12

the patient does not have an artificial airway and one is suctioning the throat/trachea via an oral airway or throat directly

Question 13

What additional piece of equipment is required for oropharyngeal suctioning

Answer 13

Oral airway - prevents the tongue from covering the epiglottis

Question 14

What is nasopharyngeal suctioning

Answer 14

The patient does not have an artificial airway and one is suctioning the throat/trachea via a nasal trumpet or nasal passage directly

Question 15

What additional equipment is required for nasopharyngeal suctioning

Answer 15

Nasal trumpet

Question 16

What are 4 indications of suctioning

Answer 16

• patients unable to clear secretions
• loss of airway control
• lung pathologies
• to obtain sputum sample

Question 17

What are 3 things you take into consideration when determining the frequency of suctioning

Answer 17

• patients ability to cough and clear own secretions
• oxygen saturation and arterial blood gases
• amount and consistency of secretions

Question 18

What are contraindications to nasopharyngeal suctioning

Answer 18

• nasal bleeding or bleeding disorders
• Epiglottitis or croup
• Acute head or facial injury
• CSF leakage
• nasal stenosis
• nasal pathology

Question 19

What are some complications of suctioning

Answer 19

• Cardiac arrest
• respiratory arrest
• gagging, laryngospasm or vomitting
• Blood pressure changes
• Mechanical trauma
• Hypoxia/hypoxemia
• Increase ICP
• Discomfort or pain
• Bronchospasm
• Uncontrolled coughing
• Nasocomial infection