Memorial Day: 10% Off*|Code: HPMW10
Suctioning is an important procedure to clear secretions (mucus) from the lungs or airways. If too many secretions are allowed to accumulate, the tube may become clogged and it will be difficult or impossible for the patient to breathe. Oftentimes, patients who are trached do not have an efficient cough to clear secretions. It may be performed as needed depending on the patient’s mucus production. Suctioning is considered a “sterile” procedure and should be performed with this in mind. It is not always possible to maintain sterility in the home, so we ask that you try to be as “clean” as possible when suctioning an airway.
It is important to gather all of your supplies in advance of suctioning or have them ready at all times in case the patient needs to be suctioned in a hurry. Supplies needed are a suction machine with an aspiration container in place (some patients put some betadine in the container to keep the suctioned contents camouflaged and neutralized), a suction catheter, saline or sterile water, the container for saline or water, sterile or clean gloves.
A note about Suction Catheters: they are ordered by your healthcare provider in a certain size (most common is size 14 fr or French). The number refers to the length of the catheter and “Fr or French” refers to the style of the catheter.
Notes: never try to reuse a suction catheter, always maintain as much sterility or cleanliness as possible when performing suctioning. If when suctioning, blood appears, be sure you have not let the cath stick to the mucus membranes of the airway and be sure to be gentle when passing the suction catheter down or up the airway. If you still see blood coming from the airway, this needs to be reported to your physician or healthcare provider.
At first, suctioning may be an awkward procedure, but as it is performed more and more frequently, you will become an expert at suctioning and will know exactly how far the catheter needs to go down the airway to get all of the secretions. As always, when in doubt, contact your MD or healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory care ...
What Everyone Should Know About Resistance Band Colors
Resistance exercise bands come in a number of colors and it’s not just for decoration. Many people use these bands however, they do not have the knowledge of the colors and the purpose with which they are designed.
5 Facts about Syringes You Wish You Knew Before
A syringe is a pump consisting of a snugly fit piston(or plunger) within a calibrated glass or plastic cylinder called a barrel.The syringe is equipped with a hypodermic needle, nozzle, or tubing that helps direct the flow of medication.
TOP 5 BEST REVIEWED NEBULIZERS OF 2022
Breathing disorders, such as COPD or asthma, can be a major detriment when it comes to quality-of-life issues.Treating these breathing ailments with medications is the main course of treatment.Being able to deliver aerosol medication directly into the lungs in an expedited fashion is the best way to manage these lung disorders. The use of a nebulizer for aerosol medications allows for the efficient and easy delivery of these medications.
MINERAL OIL VS SALINE ENEMA: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?
An enema is used for many reasons.Just as there are many reasons, there are different types of enemas, each of which contains different ingredients and works differently in the body. While some may choose an enema to soften stool or for routine colon cleansing, the reason for using an enema may have more of a medical necessity.
FIVE BEST CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICES OF 2022
Cervical traction is a technique applied to the cervical region of the body to help alleviate neck pain, discomfort, and other physical conditions related to the cervical region.Cervical traction works by stressing the neck, pulling, and pushing, thus reducing the pressure on the spine, the neck, and the upper torso.Excessive stress on the neck, spine, and upper region, due to a wide range of conditions or injuries can cause severe pain and can lead to other complications.Cervical traction devices help alleviates these conditions thus offering overall body rehabilitation and treatment options.