Tessa Quinn
Oral suctioning is a medical procedure that involves inserting a small plastic tube (a Yankauer suction catheter) attached to a suction machine into a patient's mouth to remove saliva, mucus, blood, vomit, or other foreign material. This procedure is typically performed when a patient is unable to effectively clear secretions from their respiratory tract, which can lead to possible airway obstruction and impaired gas exchange. While there are no absolute contraindications, healthcare providers must consider the patient's clinical condition and potential adverse events. Oral suctioning is commonly used in various care settings, including acute, sub-acute, long-term, and home care. The purpose of this procedure is to maintain a patent airway, improve oxygenation, and ensure patient comfort and safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To maintain a patent airway and improve oxygenation by removing mucous secretions and foreign material |
| Equipment | Yankauer suction catheter, a rigid plastic suction catheter with a large hole for the thumb and smaller holes for mucous |
| Patient Positioning | Patient should not lie flat on their back; they should sit up or lie on their side |
| Suction Pressure | Should be kept at less than 200 mmHg in adults |
| Suction Duration | Each pass should be less than 15 seconds in duration, and the patient should be allowed to recover between suction passes; oral suctioning should not be performed for longer than 10 seconds at a time |
| Patient Education | The patient should be educated about the procedure and the possibility of discomfort |
| Preoxygenation | Hyperoxygenation with 100% FiO2 should be done before airway suctioning |
| Suction Catheter Size | The appropriate size should be used for the patient's airway; two different sizes are preferable, with one being smaller than the required size |
| Suction Type | Closed suction catheters are preferable with ventilated patients to reduce the occurrence of airway collapse |
| Monitoring | Vitals should be monitored continuously, including heart rate, oxygen saturation, and intracranial pressure if transduced |
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What You'll Learn
- Oral suctioning is used to maintain a patent airway and improve oxygenation
- The procedure involves inserting a small plastic tube into the mouth to remove saliva or mucus
- Yankauer suction catheters are used to remove pharyngeal secretions
- Suctioning is contraindicated if the patient has solid objects, food or foreign bodies in the back of the mouth or throat
- The patient should be preoxygenated with 100% FiO2 before the procedure
Oral suctioning is used to maintain a patent airway and improve oxygenation
Oral suctioning is a medical procedure that involves inserting a small plastic tube (a Yankauer suction catheter) attached to a suction machine into the mouth to remove saliva, mucus, and other foreign material, such as vomit or gastric secretions. This procedure is typically performed when an individual is unable to clear these secretions themselves due to an impaired swallowing reflex, impaired tongue or mouth movements, or a weak cough.
The primary purpose of oral suctioning is to maintain a patent airway, ensuring the patient can breathe effectively. By removing mucous secretions and other obstructions, oral suctioning helps to prevent possible airway obstruction and ineffective airflow, which can lead to impaired gas exchange and compromise the patient's breathing ability. Maintaining a patent airway is a critical priority in patient care, especially in acute-care settings, to prevent respiratory failure and respiratory arrest.
Oral suctioning also plays a crucial role in improving oxygenation. By clearing the mouth and throat of secretions and foreign material, oral suctioning enhances oxygen intake and facilitates the removal of carbon dioxide from the body. This is particularly important in treating respiratory failure, where the goal is to ensure sufficient oxygen reaches the lungs and is transported to other organs. Oral suctioning, therefore, serves as a vital intervention to support breathing and optimize oxygenation in patients at risk of or experiencing respiratory distress.
The procedure for oral suctioning involves the use of a rigid plastic suction catheter, specifically designed for this purpose. The catheter has a large hole for the thumb to initiate suction and smaller holes along the end that allow mucus to enter when suction is applied. It is important to note that oral suctioning should only be performed in the oral cavity, avoiding the back of the throat, to prevent stimulating gag or airway reflexes. Additionally, suctioning should not be used to remove solid objects, food, or foreign bodies from the back of the mouth or throat, as this could force the object further into the airway and cause an obstruction.
The healthcare provider must consider the patient's clinical condition and potential adverse events associated with suctioning. Preoxygenation with 100% FiO2 is recommended before the procedure to prevent hypoxemia. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, oxygen saturation, and intracranial pressure, is essential during oral suctioning. The catheter should be introduced carefully, respecting the appropriate depth to prevent trauma and bleeding. Overall, oral suctioning is a valuable technique to maintain a patent airway and improve oxygenation, benefiting patients who are at risk of airway obstruction or ineffective coughing.
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The procedure involves inserting a small plastic tube into the mouth to remove saliva or mucus
Oral suctioning is a procedure that involves inserting a small plastic tube, known as a Yankauer suction catheter, into the mouth to remove saliva or mucus. This procedure is typically carried out when an individual is unable to clear secretions themselves due to an impaired swallowing reflex, impaired tongue or mouth movements, or a weak cough. It is important to note that this procedure is not a replacement for effective coughing, but rather a way to manage secretions when coughing is not sufficient or possible.
The Yankauer suction catheter is a rigid plastic tube with a large hole for the thumb to initiate suction and smaller holes along the end to collect mucous when suction is applied. During the procedure, the catheter is inserted into the mouth, but it should not be placed beyond the back teeth to avoid stimulating gag or airway reflexes. The suction pressure can be adjusted as needed, with thicker secretions requiring higher pressure. It is important to avoid bringing the catheter into contact with the soft tissues inside the mouth to prevent damage.
Oral suctioning should be performed for no longer than 10 seconds at a time, and the patient should be allowed to rest between suction passes. Before and after each use, the catheter should be suctioned with cold, clean water to prevent any bacterial buildup that could lead to chest infections. Additionally, the catheter tip should be inserted into a jug of water to flush out any remaining secretions after the procedure.
The procedure requires the use of personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and an apron for the caregiver. It is important to ensure that the patient is educated about the procedure and its potential discomfort. Preoxygenation with 100% FiO2 is also necessary to prevent hypoxemia, and vitals such as heart rate and oxygen saturation should be continuously monitored.
Oral suctioning is a safe and effective procedure when performed by trained healthcare professionals, including physicians, respiratory therapists, nurses, and caregivers. It helps maintain a clear airway and improves oxygenation by removing mucous secretions and other foreign materials from the mouth and throat.
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Yankauer suction catheters are used to remove pharyngeal secretions
Oral suctioning is a procedure used to maintain a patent airway and improve oxygenation by removing mucous secretions and foreign materials, such as vomit or gastric secretions, from the mouth and throat (oropharynx). This procedure is commonly performed in various care settings, including acute care, sub-acute care, long-term care, and home settings.
Yankauer suction catheters are a type of oral suctioning device specifically designed to remove pharyngeal secretions. They are typically made of rigid plastic or stainless steel with a curved, hollow tip that features a large opening surrounded by a bulbous head. This design allows for effective suction without damaging the delicate laryngeal tissue. The Yankauer suction catheter was invented by New York otolaryngologist Sidney Yankauer in 1907 and has since become a ubiquitous tool in emergency medicine.
The Yankauer catheter's bulbous head provides ready access to the laryngeal tissue, while its curved shape facilitates easy insertion. The catheter also has a large hole for the thumb to initiate suction and smaller holes along the end through which mucus enters. This design allows for thumb-controlled intermittent or continuous negative pressure during suctioning.
Yankauer suction catheters are particularly useful for patients who are unable to effectively clear secretions or remove foreign matter through coughing. These patients may include those with CVAs, drooling, an impaired cough reflex, or impaired swallowing. It is important to note that Yankauer catheters are not used for tracheotomies due to their large size. Additionally, the catheter should not be inserted beyond the back teeth to avoid stimulating gag or airway reflexes.
The procedure for oral suctioning with a Yankauer catheter typically involves preoxygenation with 100% FiO2 to prevent hypoxemia. The catheter is then inserted into the mouth to a safe depth to prevent trauma and bleeding. The suction pressure is generally kept below 200 mmHg in adults, and each pass should last less than 15 seconds with recovery time in between.
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Suctioning is contraindicated if the patient has solid objects, food or foreign bodies in the back of the mouth or throat
Oral suctioning is a procedure used to maintain a patent airway and improve oxygenation by removing mucous secretions and foreign material (vomit or gastric secretions) from the mouth and throat (oropharynx). It is routinely performed in most care settings, including acute care, sub-acute care, long-term care, and home settings.
Oral suction involves inserting a small plastic tube (a Yankauer suction catheter) attached to a suction machine into the mouth to remove saliva or mucus. The catheter has a large hole for the thumb to cover to initiate suction, along with smaller holes along the end, which mucous enters when suction is applied.
However, it is important to note that oral suctioning is contraindicated if the patient has solid objects, food, or foreign bodies in the back of the mouth or throat. Attempting to remove such obstructions with a Yankauer suction catheter can potentially force the object further into the airway, causing a blockage. This could lead to an impaired exchange of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, which are necessary for optimal cellular function.
Therefore, it is crucial to inspect the oropharynx for possible obstructions, such as food, tumors, or false teeth, before initiating oral suctioning. If solid objects, food, or foreign bodies are present in the back of the mouth or throat, alternative methods or tools may be considered to ensure safe and effective suctioning.
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The patient should be preoxygenated with 100% FiO2 before the procedure
Oral suctioning is a procedure used to maintain a patent airway and improve oxygenation by removing mucous secretions and foreign materials from the mouth and throat. This procedure is typically carried out when a patient is unable to effectively clear secretions or foreign matter by coughing.
To ensure the patient's safety during oral suctioning, it is crucial to preoxygenate them with 100% FiO2 before the procedure. Preoxygenation is a technique that involves delivering oxygen to the patient at a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 1 for two to five minutes. This means that the patient breathes in pure oxygen, which helps to maximise the storage of oxygen in their lungs and oxygenate their bloodstream.
The importance of preoxygenation lies in its ability to prevent hypoxemia, a condition characterised by low oxygen levels in the blood. By preoxygenating the patient, healthcare providers can reduce the risk of hypoxemia, which may occur during the oral suctioning procedure due to impaired gas exchange. This is especially important in patients with conditions such as impaired swallowing or an ineffective cough reflex, who are at a higher risk of airway obstruction.
Additionally, preoxygenation helps to bring the patient's saturation as close as possible to 100%. This is achieved by denitrogenating the residual lung capacity, which involves replacing nitrogen in the lungs with oxygen. By breathing in pure oxygen, the patient's lungs can maximise their oxygen reserves, providing a safe buffer during the oral suctioning procedure.
Furthermore, preoxygenation techniques such as deep breathing and rapid breathing can be employed to optimise the preoxygenation process. These techniques ensure that the patient's lungs are adequately prepared, reducing the risk of complications during oral suctioning. It is also important to monitor the patient's cardiovascular responses during preoxygenation, as research has shown that 100% oxygen respiration can lead to a moderate decline in heart rate and heart output, while increasing systemic and arterial blood pressure.
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Frequently asked questions
Oral suctioning is used to maintain a patent airway and improve oxygenation by removing mucous secretions and foreign materials like vomit or blood from the mouth and throat.
Oral suctioning involves the use of a rigid plastic suction catheter, known as a Yankauer, to remove pharyngeal secretions through the mouth. The catheter has a large hole for the thumb to initiate suction and smaller holes for mucous to enter when suction is applied.
It is important to ensure the patient is educated about the procedure and the possibility of discomfort. The patient should be preoxygenated with 100% FiO2 and continuous monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate and oxygen saturation is crucial. The catheter should not be inserted beyond the tip of the artificial airway to prevent trauma and bleeding.
Suction pressure should be maintained below 200 mmHg in adults. It is recommended to start with a low vacuum setting and gradually increase as needed. The duration of suctioning in the mouth should not exceed 10 seconds at a time, and the patient should be allowed to recover between passes.
