suctioning trachea

DEFINITION:

Removal of secretions from tracheobronchial tree with the help of the suction apparatus

PURPOSE:

·         To maintain a patent airway free from secretions

EQUIPMENT:

1.      Suction tray

2.      K 60 suction catheter

3.      Sterile water in a bowl for rinsing catheter

4.      Normal saline

5.      Ambu bag

6.      Suction apparatus

7.      Face mask

8.      Goggles & gloves

9.      K – Basin

Syringe to instill normal saline

1	Explain the procedure to patient if conscious/relative
2	Wear mask
3	Give nebulization and chest physiotherapy if secretions are thick
4	Wash hands
5	Open suction tray
6	Place sterile catheter into tray catheter lesser in diameter than tracheostomy/endotracheal(ET) tube
7	Fill cup with sterile water
8	Withdraw 3-5ml of normal saline in the syringe
9	Hyperoxygenate the patient with ambu bag
10	Wash hand
11	Wear sterile gloves on dominant hand
12	Fix the catheter to suction tube by glass/plastic connection. Turn on suction source (Keep dominant hand uncontaminated throughout the procedure)
13	Instill normal saline into the tube before and during suctioning (1ml if tracheal suctioning and 3ml if ET suctioning)
14	Turn the patients head to left side to suction right bronchus and to right to suction left main bronchus
15	Insert suction catheter into tracheostomy tube/ET tube
16	Insert the catheter to a depth of 13-15cm through tracheostomy tube and 30-38cm through ET tube
17	Withdraw the catheter ½ to ¾ inch and apply suction by placing the non-dominant thumb over open end of the Y connection. Take out the catheter using rotary movements and ensure that each suction does not exceed 10-15 seconds in order to prevent hypoxia.
18	Keep observing the patient throughout the procedure
19	Repeat the same steps till tracheosomy/ET tube is clear
20	Rinse the catheter in sterile water kept in the bowl
21	Discard the suction catheter and replace equipment
22	Document the time, colour, amount, consistency of secretions, patients condition and co operation