Tessa Quinn
Suction machines play a crucial role in hospitals by aiding patients who have difficulty coughing, swallowing, or experience increased mucus production. These machines help patients breathe, eat, and talk more comfortably by physically removing secretions from the mouth or throat. While most hospitals have suction outlets in each patient room, there are numerous scenarios that require portable suction units, such as emergency resuscitation outside the hospital or in the event of a disaster. Before setting up a suction machine, it is important to ensure the equipment is clean and functioning properly. This includes daily cleaning of the collection bottle, connecting tubing, and lid. To set up the machine, the collection bottle is placed into the side compartment, and the short and long tubings are connected to their respective outlet ports. The vacuum pressure is then adjusted, and the machine is turned on to check for proper suction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Suction Use Case | To physically remove secretions from the mouth or throat when a person has difficulty coughing or swallowing and/or creates increased mucus production. |
| Suction Equipment | Suction machine, correct size catheter, collection bottle, connecting tubing, lid, gloves, water-based lubricant |
| Suction Machine Setup | Place the machine on a firm, flat surface, plug the AC power cord into a wall outlet, connect the small end of the power cord into the machine, place the collection bottle into the side compartment, attach the short and long tubing to the outlet port on the lid, adjust the vacuum pressure, turn the machine on and check for suction. |
| Suction Machine Maintenance | Clean the collection bottle, connecting tubing, and lid daily. Check the suctioning equipment every day to ensure it is working properly and is clean. |
| Suction Type | Wall-mounted or portable |
| Suction Location | Hospitals typically have wall-mounted suction outlets in each patient room, but portable suction units are also required in some cases, such as near exits for resuscitation outside the hospital, at nursing stations, and in disaster response situations. |
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What You'll Learn
How to set up a suction machine
Setting up a suction machine is a vital step in ensuring the device is ready for use in emergency situations. Suction machines are used to clear a patient's airway, prevent pulmonary aspiration, and remove fluids and gases from the body. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up a suction machine:
Step 1: Prepare the Machine and Work Area
Place the suction machine on a firm, flat surface, such as a table or desk. Ensure the work area is clean and free from any contaminants. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the machine and its components.
Step 2: Inspect and Connect Power Source
Inspect the outer components of the machine, including the power cord, for any defects or damage. Once inspected, connect the machine to a power source by plugging the AC power cord into a grounded wall outlet. If a power source is unavailable, ensure the machine is fully charged before use.
Step 3: Assemble the Collection Bottle and Tubing
Place the lid securely on the collection bottle, ensuring a tight seal. Attach the collection bottle to the suction machine by placing it into the side compartment. Connect the short tubing to the outlet port on the top of the suction lid, and then connect the longer tubing to the same port.
Step 4: Adjust Settings and Test Suction
Adjust the vacuum pressure using the regulator knob on top of the machine. Turn on the machine and occlude (block) the suction end with your hand. If you do not feel any suction, tighten all connections and try again. Check the suction pressure by covering the end of the tubing with your finger and ensure it matches the pressure set by the healthcare provider.
Step 5: Clean and Maintain the Machine
After use, clean and disinfect all components, including the collection bottle, tubing, and lid, with warm soapy water and a vinegar solution. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Change the filter when it is visibly dirty or every two months. Regularly test the machine to ensure it is functioning properly, and keep it stored in a tactical kit, ready for emergency use.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your suction machine is properly set up and maintained, ready for use when needed.
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Choosing the right catheter size
Several factors should be considered when selecting a suction catheter, including the patient's age, medical condition, and the amount and type of secretions to be removed. The size of the suction catheter, the depth and duration of suctioning, and the pressure used can impact the effectiveness of the intervention. It is crucial to select a catheter with the right diameter for the patient's airway size and secretions.
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) recommends a suction catheter to endotracheal tube ratio (SC/ETT) based on the external diameter of the SC and the internal diameter of the ETT. An SC/ETT ratio of less than 50% is generally recommended, which equates to an SC that is less than 70% of the ETT diameter. This calculation method is based on the seminal work of Rosen and Hillard, who introduced a formula to determine the negative pressure generated within the lungs during suctioning.
However, some researchers have suggested using an SC/ETT ratio based on tube cross-sectional area or volume rather than diameter alone. These calculations can be more complicated but may provide a more satisfactory assessment of the SC/ETT ratio. It is important to note that the suction catheter size may also depend on the patient's age group, with infants requiring a smaller SC/ETT ratio.
In addition to size, the material of the suction catheter is another important consideration. Some patients may have sensitivities or allergies to certain materials, so choosing a compatible material is crucial. Overall, selecting the right suction catheter size and type is vital to ensure effective airway clearance and minimise the risk of complications for patients.
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Cleaning and disinfecting equipment
Before you begin suctioning, it is important to be comfortable with setting up the suction machine and to ensure that the equipment is working properly and is clean. Clean disposable gloves should be worn to avoid direct contact with secretions, and hands must be cleaned prior to handling supplies and solutions. Wash your hands before beginning the procedure as follows: wet your hands with warm water, use antibacterial soap, wash your hands for 1-2 minutes using a rotary motion, ensuring you wash the backs and palms of your hands, and in between all fingers, then rinse your hands and dry them on a clean or paper towel.
The suction machine should be placed on a firm, flat surface, such as a table or desk, and plugged into a grounded wall outlet. The collection bottle should be placed into the side compartment of the suction machine, and the lid placed on top and secured tightly. The short tubing should then be attached to the outlet port on the top of the suction lid, and the longer tubing connected to the same outlet port.
Once a day, the collection bottle, connecting tubing, and lid should be washed and disinfected in a very clean environment to ensure the machine is free from harmful bacteria which could cause infection. To check the suction pressure, turn on the unit and cover the end of the tubing with your finger. Look at the number on the gauge and ensure it is the number set by your healthcare provider.
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When suctioning is necessary
Suctioning is a routine procedure performed in hospitals to maintain a patient's airway and improve oxygenation. It is necessary when a patient is unable to effectively clear secretions from their respiratory tract, which can lead to airway obstruction and impaired gas exchange. This can be due to excessive production of secretions or ineffective clearance, resulting in the accumulation of secretions in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Suctioning is commonly done to remove these secretions, but it may also be required to remove blood or other materials, such as meconium.
Oral suctioning, for example, involves using a rigid plastic suction catheter, known as a Yankauer, to remove pharyngeal secretions through the mouth. It is useful for patients who are unable to effectively cough or clear secretions, such as those with CVAs, drooling, an impaired cough reflex, or impaired swallowing.
Tracheostomy suctioning is another common form of suctioning used to keep the tracheostomy tube free from thick secretions that cannot be cleared by coughing. This procedure helps to open the airway and improve breathing. It is important to note that the pressure for suctioning tracheostomy should be within a safe range, typically 80 to 120 mmHg, to avoid potential damage to the windpipe.
Suctioning may also be necessary in emergency situations, such as near hospital exits during resuscitation, or in the event of equipment failure or a disaster. In such cases, portable suction units play a vital role as they can be used outside of the typical hospital setting and provide flexibility in emergency responses.
Overall, suctioning is an important procedure in hospitals to ensure patient safety and maintain adequate airflow and gas exchange. It is necessary when a patient's respiratory tract is compromised, and proper preparation and training are crucial to performing it effectively and safely.
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Portable suction units
Portable suction machines are smaller, lightweight units that are convenient for use while travelling. They are powered by rechargeable batteries and are ideal for emergency situations where mobility is essential. They are also useful in the event of a disaster, where hospitals may be called upon to treat large numbers of patients, overwhelming normal equipment demands.
Portable suction machines are particularly useful near hospital exits, as patients may need to be resuscitated outside of the emergency department. They are also handy at nursing stations, in the event that a wall-mounted unit fails.
These machines perform the same action as stationary units, removing obstructions from the respiratory tract. They are particularly important for tracheostomy patients to clear the airway. They create a vacuum effect to remove obstructions such as blood, saliva, mucus, vomit, or other liquids.
Before using a portable suction machine, ensure that the equipment is set up correctly and that the correct size catheter is being used. Check the suction pressure by turning on the unit and covering the end of the tubing with your finger. The number on the gauge should match the number set by the healthcare provider.
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Frequently asked questions
Suctioning is used to physically remove secretions from the mouth or throat. It is often prescribed when certain diseases cause difficulty coughing or swallowing and/or create increased mucus production.
First, ensure that you are comfortable with setting up the machine, know the equipment you need and which size catheter to use. Then, place the collection bottle into the side compartment of the machine, attach the short tubing to the outlet port on the lid, and connect the longer tubing to the same port. Adjust the vacuum pressure with the regulator knob. Turn the machine on and cover the suction end with your hand to check if it works. If you do not feel suction, tighten all connections and try again.
The pressure setting will depend on the patient and should be set by a healthcare provider.
Tip catheters and Little Suckers are used for nasal and oral suctioning, while the Yankauer catheter is used only for oral suctioning.
Hospitals typically have wall-mounted suction units with vacuum lines piped throughout the building, and most have outlets in each patient room. However, portable suction units are also important, especially in emergency situations.
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