NF3 MODULE 9: SUCTIONING:
OROPHARYNGEAL, NASOPHARYNGEAL
AND TRACHEAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Purpose of suctioning - Answer-· Remove saliva and other secretions
- Eg. Blood, vomit
· Maintain patent airway
· Facilitate ventilation
· Obtain specimens
· Maintain oral hygiene ** Suctioning does not follow any type of schedule it is all based
on patient need**
Nasal Airway: - Answer-Uses:
· Patients that have oral problems that prevent placement of an oral airway
· To protect nasal mucous from injury when frequent nasotracheal suctioning needed
· Sizes range from 8 to 9 mm for a large adult and 6 to 7 mm for a small adult
· Lubricate prior to insertion
Oral Airways: - Answer-· Prevents obstruction of the trachea
· Correct size airway must be used
· Before inserting check for loose teeth or debris
Suction Canister - Answer-Change as needed and when patient is discharged
Not measured as output
Needs to be solidified prior to disposal
Oropharyngeal/Nasopharyngeal suctioning - Answer-· Suctioning of the mouth or nose,
and throat (pharynx)
· Suctioning down the trachea - referred to as "deep suctioning"
Tracheal suctioning: - Answer-- Increased risk of complications
- Should have physician's order
- Sterile technique must be used
Trach Suctioning - Answer-· Should not be done routinely - only prn
· Assess the need for suctioning
· Sterile technique for 1st 72h, then clean technique
· Advance catheter only until resistance is met or coughing is initiated, then pull back 1
cm (~12.5 cm for an adult)
· Always use sterile catheter & solution
Adult suctioning pressure - Answer-100 - 150 mm Hg
OROPHARYNGEAL, NASOPHARYNGEAL
AND TRACHEAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Purpose of suctioning - Answer-· Remove saliva and other secretions
- Eg. Blood, vomit
· Maintain patent airway
· Facilitate ventilation
· Obtain specimens
· Maintain oral hygiene ** Suctioning does not follow any type of schedule it is all based
on patient need**
Nasal Airway: - Answer-Uses:
· Patients that have oral problems that prevent placement of an oral airway
· To protect nasal mucous from injury when frequent nasotracheal suctioning needed
· Sizes range from 8 to 9 mm for a large adult and 6 to 7 mm for a small adult
· Lubricate prior to insertion
Oral Airways: - Answer-· Prevents obstruction of the trachea
· Correct size airway must be used
· Before inserting check for loose teeth or debris
Suction Canister - Answer-Change as needed and when patient is discharged
Not measured as output
Needs to be solidified prior to disposal
Oropharyngeal/Nasopharyngeal suctioning - Answer-· Suctioning of the mouth or nose,
and throat (pharynx)
· Suctioning down the trachea - referred to as "deep suctioning"
Tracheal suctioning: - Answer-- Increased risk of complications
- Should have physician's order
- Sterile technique must be used
Trach Suctioning - Answer-· Should not be done routinely - only prn
· Assess the need for suctioning
· Sterile technique for 1st 72h, then clean technique
· Advance catheter only until resistance is met or coughing is initiated, then pull back 1
cm (~12.5 cm for an adult)
· Always use sterile catheter & solution
Adult suctioning pressure - Answer-100 - 150 mm Hg
