PROCEDURE CHECK LIST

OROPHARYNGEAL, NASOPHARYNGEAL AND ENDOTRACHEAL SUCTIONING

S.N
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PROCEDURE STEPS
preparation
Assess & Explain procedure to the patient.
Place the patient in semifowlers position & prepare the articles
Don PPE and Wash hands
Turn on the suction and adjust the pressure regulator (usually
100-120mmHg for adults, 95-110mmHg for pediatrics, and 50
to 95 mmHg for infants)
Test the suction equipment by occluding the connection tubing.
Open the suction catheter kit.
Wear gloves, keep the dominant hand sterile; consider non
dominant hand unsterile.
Pick up the suction catheter with the dominant hand and attach
it to the connection tubing.
Lubrication:
The tip of the suction catheter is inserted into the sterile
container of normal saline solution and apply negative pressure.
Depth of insertion
a) Oropharyngeal suctioning: Measure the distance between the
edge of the patients mouth to the tip of the patients ear lobe.
b) Nasopharyngeal suctioning: Measure the distance between
the tip of the patients nose to the tip of the patients ear lobe.
c) Endotracheal suctioning : insert the catheter till the resistance
is felt and then withdraw it about 1-2cm and start suctioning.
performance
Endotracheal suctioning for patient with copious secretion:
Press the 100% O2 button on the ventilator for 2 minutes before
suctioning.
Endotracheal suctioning for patient without copious secretion:
Attach the resuscitation bag to the endotracheal tube and
hyperoxygenate the patient by compressing the resuscitation bag
3 to 5 times.
Insertion of catheter:
Gently insert the catheter without applying any suction till the
predetermined depth.
Suctioning:

YES

NO

Apply suction for 5-10 seconds and rotate the catheter between
the thumb and forefinger while slowly withdrawing it.
Apply intermittent suction while rotating catheter for open
suctioning; apply continuous suction and pull straight back for
closed suction
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Oropharyngeal & Nasopharyngeal suctioning:

Ask the patient take several slow deep breaths.
If the patients oxygen saturation is < 94%, or if he is in any
distress, administer supplemental oxygen before, during, and
after suctioning.
1) Using the dominant hand, gently but quickly insert the
suction catheter along the side of the patients mouth into the
oropharynx , into nose for nasopharynx suctioning.
2) Lubricate the catheter and repeat suctioning as needed,
allowing at least 20- 30 second intervals between suctioning.
After care
After the catheter is withdrawn, clear it by placing the tip of the
catheter into the container of sterile saline and apply suction.
Coil the suction catheter in the dominant hand. Pull the sterile
glove off over the coiled catheter. Alternatively, wraps the
catheter around the dominant gloved hand and hold the catheter
while removing the glove over it.
Observe for complications, Reassess patient condition.
Record the procedure, and report the findings to the physician.
Replace the articles.