When is suction needed

Skip to main content. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Listen Focus. What are secretions? Secretion characteristics Potential causes Thickened Not enough humidity Dehydration Chest physiotherapy has just been performed Yellow or green Foul smelling Increased production Infection Red-streaked or bloody Infection Not enough humidity in the secretions Bleeding from gums from infection or trauma e. What is suctioning? Why do I need to suction my child's airway?

When do I need to suction my child? There are four ways to suction your child's airway: Nasal suction suctioning in the nose Oral suction suctioning the mouth Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suction suctioning the throat Deep suctioning Upper respiratory tract. Suctioning depths. Share This Book Share on Twitter. Disclaimer: Always review and follow your hospital policy regarding this specific skill. Safety considerations: Avoid oral suctioning on patients with recent head and neck surgeries.

Use clean technique for oral suctioning. Know which patients are at risk for aspiration and are unable to clear secretions because of an impaired cough reflex. Keep supplies readily available at the bedside and ensure suction is functioning in the event oral suctioning is required immediately.

Know appropriate suctioning limits and the risks of applying excessive pressure or inadequate pressure. Avoid mouth sutures, sensitive tissues, and any tubes located in the mouth or nares. Avoid stimulating the gag reflex. Always perform a pre- and post-respiratory assessment to monitor patient for improvement. Consider other possible causes of respiratory distress, such as pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, or equipment malfunction.

If an abnormal side effect occurs e. Additional Information. Assess patient need for suctioning respiratory assessment for signs of hypoxia , risk for aspiration, and inability to protect own airway or clear secretions adequately, which may lead to upper airway obstruction. Baseline respiratory assessment, including an O 2 saturation level, can alert the health care provider to worsening condition. Fill sterile container with sterile water. Attach one end of connection tubing to the suction machine and the other end to the yankauer.

This prepares equipment to function effectively. Suction container. Turn on suction to the required level. Test function by covering hole on the yankaeur with your thumb and suctioning up a small amount of water. Suction levels for adults are mmHg on wall suction and mmHg on portable suction units.

Always refer to hospital policy for suction levels. Nasal prongs may be left in place. Always be prepared to replace the oxygen if patient becomes short of breath or has decreased O 2 saturation levels. Insert yankauer and apply suction by covering the thumb hole Coughing helps move secretions from the lower airways to the upper airways. Clear suction tubing with water Clearing out the catheter prevents the connection tubing from plugging.

Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions.

Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in S SCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Share your thoughts. All rights reserved. Say Jun 10, AM. Minimize Risk to the Newborn As with any other patient, hyperoxygenate the neonate before and after suctioning.

Some other strategies that can reduce risk include: Choosing smaller equipment. Neonates have fragile airways that are easily damaged. Babies have smaller, more narrow airways, a larger tongue and epiglottis, and a shorter trachea.

Adapt your technique and your equipment accordingly. A newborn cannot support the weight of their own head, increasing the risk of injury during suctioning if they are not well supported. Reducing the risk of infection. Pathogens that are only mildly annoying to an adult can be lethal to neonates, especially those with compromised immune systems. Thoroughly wash hands in hot water. Always wear gloves and a mask, and change gloves before changing equipment or after touching anything that might be contaminated.

Do Not Separate Mother and Infant A generation or two ago, it was routine to separate mothers from their infants, often for long periods of time, whenever the infant showed any signs of illness.