When suctioning secretions from a tracheostomy you should limit the suctioning time to a maximum of
Chapter 5. Oxygen Therapy Show The purpose of oral suctioning is to maintain a patent airway and improve oxygenation by removing mucous secretions and foreign material (vomit or gastric secretions) from the mouth and throat (oropharynx). Oral suction is the use of a rigid plastic suction catheter, known as a yankauer (see Figure 5.3), to remove pharyngeal secretions through the mouth (Perry et al., 2014). The suction catheter has a large hole for the thumb to cover to initiate suction, along with smaller holes along the end, which mucous enters when suction is applied. The oral suctioning catheter is not used for tracheotomies due to its large size. Oral suctioning is useful to clear secretions from the mouth in the event a patient is unable to remove secretions or foreign matter by effective coughing. Patients who benefit the most include those with CVAs, drooling, impaired cough reflex related to age or condition, or impaired swallowing (Perry et al., 2014). The procedure for oral suctioning can be found in Checklist 42. Figure 5.3 Suctioning with a yankauer Checklist 42: Oral Suctioning
Video 5.1Watch the Oral Suctioning video by Renée Anderson and Wendy McKenzie, Thompson Rivers University.
What is the maximum time recommended to suction a tracheostomy tube?Do not suction for more than 10 seconds each time. Turn or twist the suction catheter as it is taken out. Remove your thumb from the suction control vent if you feel the catheter pull during suctioning. Wait 20 to 30 seconds between each suction try.
What is the maximum time you should suction for?Do not suction too long! The maximum suction time should only be 15 seconds. After suctioning, re-oxygenate the patient.
How many time can you suction a trach?Suction the trach 3 to 4 times a day, or more if needed. For example, two of the times could be before you go to bed and when you wake up in the morning. You will need suction catheters, a suction machine, and a mirror.
What is the duration of tracheal suctioning Why?Each pass should be less than 15 seconds in duration, and the patient should be allowed to recover between suction passes. Routine use of saline down the endotracheal tube is not recommended while suctioning.
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