b. Wash your hands and assemble the necessary equipment. Set it up at the
patient's bedside.
(1) Set up the suction apparatus (portable suction machine or in-wall
suction) and connect a sufficient length of tubing to reach easily from the suction source
to the patient.
(2) Place a container of water (or normal saline solution), 4x4 gauze
squares, an emesis basin, and tissues on the bedside table.
(3) Select the appropriate size catheter (14 or 16 French for adults, 10 or 12
French for children) and attach it to the suction tubing. If the catheter does not have a
thumb control suction valve, attach it to the tubing with a Y-connector.
(4) Turn on the suction apparatus and check the suction and the patency of
the tubing by aspirating some of the water through the catheter. Do this by inserting the
free end of the catheter into the container of water. Apply suction by placing your thumb
over the suction control (thumb control valve or Y-connector).
c.
Suction of the nasopharynx and nostrils:
(1)
Moisten the catheter in the water.
(2) With suction diverted, insert the catheter gently through a nostril to the
back of the throat (about 3-5 inches).
Note: If an obstruction is met, or if the patient's cough reflex is stimulated, remove the
catheter and wait a moment before reinserting.
(3) Apply suction and slowly remove the catheter, using a rotating motion.
Remember: You are suctioning oxygen as well as secretions, so suction for only 5-10
seconds at a time.
(4) Clear the catheter by aspirating some water through it. Thick secretions
adhering to the outer surface of the catheter should be removed with moistened gauze.
(5)
Repeat the procedure through the other nostril.
d. Suction of the oropharynx and mouth:
(1)
Moisten the catheter in the water.
(2) With suction diverted, insert the catheter gently into the mouth toward
the back of the throat. Note: If gag or cough reflexes are stimulated, remove the
catheter and wait until gagging or coughing subsides before reinserting.
MD0917
2-14