Nursing Care Related to the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

2-19

[Previous] [Next]

 

Introduction

 

Table of Contents

 

Search

 

Exercises

 

Courses

 

About this Text

 

Nursing 411

 

Contact Us

 

Links

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2-19. NASOPHARYNGEAL AND OROPHARYNGEAL SUCTIONING

 

a. The nose, mouth, and throat may be cleared of mucus, vomitus, blood, or other material by a procedure called suctioning.

(1) Material that accumulates in the mouth and throat can usually be expectorated. Mucus accumulations in the nostrils can be removed by blowing the nose. If the patient is unable to cough, expectorate, or otherwise clear the upper air passages effectively, there is a danger that the accumulated material may be aspirated into the lower air passages (trachea, bronchi, and lungs).

 

(2) These suctioning procedures may be carried out using medical asepsis (clean technique) since the nostrils, mouth, and throats are not sterile areas. In specific cases, such as isolation, sterile technique may be required.

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.

 

 

(3) Apply suction and rotate the catheter to suction the secretions. Suction for only 5-10 seconds at a time. Do not push the catheter in and out against the wall of the throat as this may injure the mucous membrane.

 

(4) Withdraw the catheter and clear it by aspirating water through it. Thick secretions adhering to the outer surface of the catheter should be removed with moistened gauze.

 

(5) Repeat the procedure, suctioning around the teeth and gums and under the tongue if secretions have accumulated in these areas.

 

(6) For suctioning of the mouth, a firm metal suction tip may be used instead of a soft catheter. One such tip is the Yankauer. Care must be taken when using a rigid suction tip to avoid injury to the oral mucosa.

e. Bulb syringe suctioning is used to clear secretions from the nose and mouth of infants.

(1) Grasp the bulb syringe firmly and squeeze the bulb to expel the air.

 

(2) Very gently, insert the tip into the mouth or nostril of the infant, taking care not to injure the delicate mucosa.

 

(3) Release the pressure on the bulb. As the air returns into the bulb, it creates a sucking action that will withdraw the secretions.

 

(4) When the bulb has inflated, remove the tip from the infant's mouth or nose. Dispose of the secretions into a basin or piece of gauze by squeezing the bulb, forcing out the air and secretions.

 

(5) Repeat the procedure as necessary.

 

(6) Rinse the syringe as necessary and at the end of the procedure. Squeeze the bulb, insert the tip into a basin of water, and release the bulb to aspirate the water. Remove the tip from the basin and squeeze the bulb to expel the water.

[Previous] [Next]


These Nursing411 wings incorporate the white heart of international nursing with the
golden wings of an angel, symbolizing Nursing's selfless dedication
to the service of mankind.

The Brookside Associates Medical Education Division  develops and distributes medical information that may be useful to medical professionals and those in training to become medical professionals. This website is privately-held and not connected to any governmental agency. The views expressed here are those of the authors, and unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Brookside Associates, Ltd., or any governmental or private organizations. All writings, discussions, and publications on this website are unclassified.

© 2008 Medical Education Division, Brookside Associates, Ltd. All rights reserved

Other Brookside Products

Contact Us

Advertising on this Site