Suctioning Overview and Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the name of the part of the pharynx located behind the mouth?

Oropharynx

When is suctioning used?

When coughing does not adequately clear respiratory secretions and secretions are interfering with oxygenation.

Which of the following are types of suctioning? (Select all that apply)

Nasogastric
Orogastric
Oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal (correct)
Endotracheal (correct)
Orotracheal/nasotracheal (correct)

LPNs can suction the nasal passages beyond the point where they normally narrow without additional education and an order.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

LPNs can carry out nasopharyngeal swabs after successfully completing additional education.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

LPNs can insert nasogastric tubes.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

LPNs can provide tracheostomy care to clients who have well-established tracheostomies after successfully completing additional education and with an order.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are some specific signs that a client might need suctioning?

Abnormal RR, adventitious sounds, nasal secretions, gurgling, drooling, vomitus in the mouth and coughing without clearing secretions. Signup and view all the answers

What assessments would you perform prior to suctioning?

V/S, pulse oximetry, lung assessment. Signup and view all the answers

How often would you suction a patient?

Not done routinely Signup and view all the answers

What should you monitor during suctioning?

Colour, pulse oximetry, pulse, RR, sound Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the equipment needed for suctioning?

Sterile suction catheter, water-soluble lubricant, gloves, regulator/container, bowl, face shield, towel, water Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before suctioning?

Assess the client's need for suction, apply gloves and mask or face shield, and fill the bowl with sterile normal saline. Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps for performing oropharyngeal suctioning?

Lubricate the catheter with water, insert it into the client's mouth, apply suction and move the catheter around the mouth, pharynx and gum line until the secretions are cleared, encourage the client to cough and repeat if needed, suction water or saline from the basin through the catheter until it is clear of secretions, place the catheter in a clean, dry area for reuse with suction turned off, replace O2 if needed. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if SpO2 drops or respiratory distress develops during nasopharyngeal suctioning?

Reapply the nasal cannula. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main sections of the pharynx?

The oropharynx and the nasopharynx. Signup and view all the answers

When would suctioning be used?

Suctioning is used when coughing does not adequately clear respiratory secretions and secretions are interfering with oxygenation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of suctioning requires a sterile procedure?

Both B and C (B) Signup and view all the answers

LPNs can perform which of the following procedures?

Tracheostomy care to clients with well-established tracheostomies after completing additional education and with an order (B), Nasopharyngeal suctioning after completing additional education and with an order (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the slides, what are some signs that a client might need suctioning?

All of the above (H) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of suctioning?

Oropharyngeal suctioning and nasopharyngeal suctioning Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before suctioning a client?

Assess the client's need for suction, apply gloves, and prepare sterile equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is used for suctioning?

The equipment used for suctioning includes a sterile suction catheter, water-soluble lubricant, gloves, a regulator or container, a bowl, a face shield, a towel, and water. Signup and view all the answers

How do you prep the suction catheter before performing oropharyngeal suctioning?

Lubricate the catheter with water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended catheter insertion depth for adults during nasopharyngeal suctioning?

About 20 cm or from the tip of the nose to the base of the earlobe. Signup and view all the answers

How long do you apply suction for on the catheter during nasopharyngeal suctioning?

For up to 10 seconds by placing and releasing the non-dominant thumb over the catheter vent. Signup and view all the answers

It is important to rotate the catheter back-and-forth between your thumb and forefinger while slowly withdrawing it after nasopharyngeal suctioning.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the suction catheter after nasopharyngeal suctioning?

Rinse the catheter and place it in a clean, dry area for reuse with suction turned off. Signup and view all the answers

It is okay to leave the nasal cannula on during oropharyngeal suctioning.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

When is it important to reapply the nasal cannula or mask during suctioning?

If the client experiences respiratory distress or their SpO2 drops. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Oropharynx

The space behind the mouth that stretches from the soft palate to the hyoid bone and contains the tonsils.

Nasopharynx

The area behind the nose that extends to the soft palate.