b.
Administer an oral/nasal suctioning to the patient in the recovery room.
(1)
Wash your hands and assemble all needed equipment as listed:
(a)
Portable continuous suction machine or gauge to attach to the
wall suction.
(b)
Connecting tube.
(c)
Sterile whistle-tip straight catheter (14 to 18 Fr) with a valve or
Y-connector.
(d)
Exam gloves.
(e)
Disposable cup with tap water.
(f)
Waste receptacle.
(2)
Identify the patient. If the patient is conscious, explain the suctioning
procedure to him and that it may stimulate the cough reflex.
(3)
Provide for the patient's privacy.
(4)
Observe the patient for evidence of airway obstruction due to
secretions.
(5)
Position the patient on one side in a semi-Fowler's position, if
possible.
(a)
This will facilitate airway patency and drainage of secretions.
(b) If unable to place the patient in a semi-Fowler's position, be
sure the patient's head is turned to the side.
(6)
Provide a clean working area. Oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal
suctioning is a clean procedure provided suctioning is limited to the oral, nasal, and/or
pharyngeal areas.
(7)
Wash your hands.
(8)
Open the suction catheter package, attach the end to the connecting
tubing from the suction machine, and place the catheter on a clean towel (see Figure
3-7).
MD0915
3-13
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