NF3 MODULE 9: SUCTIONING:
OROPHARYNGEAL, NASOPHARYNGEAL
AND TRACHEAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Patient assessment post suctioning - Answer-· Appearance of suctioned secretions
· Breath sounds
· Respiratory rate, rhythm, & depth
· O2 saturation
· Skin color
· Presence of anxiety
Suction catheter size for an adult - Answer-#12-18 Fr
Suction catheter size for a child - Answer-#8 - 10 Fr
Suction catheter size for an infant - Answer-#5 - 8 Fr
Report and document pertinent information during and after suctioning - Answer-
Number of suction passes
Size of suction catheter
Quantity, color, consistency and odor of secretions
Patients' assessment and tolerance of the procedure
If there is a change in the tracheal secretions, notify the physician to determine if
sputum specimen should be collected and sent to lab
Procedure for Suctioning - Answer-Upright position if tolerated
Insertion - do not apply suction
Apply intermittent suction for 10 seconds when removing catheter
Allow 60 seconds between suctioning passes
Assess need to repeat suctioning - do not perform
o more than 2 passes per catheter
DO NOT force the catheter
If patient on oxygen, remove for as short of time as possible
Normal sputum - Answer-tends to be watery and white or translucent.
Tenacious or thick secretions - Answer-may indicate dehydration
Yellow-, tan-, or green-colored secretions - Answer-may indicate infection
Brown-colored sputum - Answer-may indicate prior bleeding
OROPHARYNGEAL, NASOPHARYNGEAL
AND TRACHEAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Patient assessment post suctioning - Answer-· Appearance of suctioned secretions
· Breath sounds
· Respiratory rate, rhythm, & depth
· O2 saturation
· Skin color
· Presence of anxiety
Suction catheter size for an adult - Answer-#12-18 Fr
Suction catheter size for a child - Answer-#8 - 10 Fr
Suction catheter size for an infant - Answer-#5 - 8 Fr
Report and document pertinent information during and after suctioning - Answer-
Number of suction passes
Size of suction catheter
Quantity, color, consistency and odor of secretions
Patients' assessment and tolerance of the procedure
If there is a change in the tracheal secretions, notify the physician to determine if
sputum specimen should be collected and sent to lab
Procedure for Suctioning - Answer-Upright position if tolerated
Insertion - do not apply suction
Apply intermittent suction for 10 seconds when removing catheter
Allow 60 seconds between suctioning passes
Assess need to repeat suctioning - do not perform
o more than 2 passes per catheter
DO NOT force the catheter
If patient on oxygen, remove for as short of time as possible
Normal sputum - Answer-tends to be watery and white or translucent.
Tenacious or thick secretions - Answer-may indicate dehydration
Yellow-, tan-, or green-colored secretions - Answer-may indicate infection
Brown-colored sputum - Answer-may indicate prior bleeding
