Tracheostomy Suctioning- Nursing Skills

Summary

This instructional video outlines the procedure for suctioning a tracheostomy, emphasizing patient assessment before and after the process. It details setting up the suction equipment, preparing sterile water and gloves, and the technique of inserting and removing the suction catheter with intermittent suction. The video advises on the importance of monitoring oxygen saturation and lung sounds, and suggests a limit of three catheter passes per session, each not exceeding 10 seconds.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Always assess the patient's lung sounds and oxygen saturation before and after suctioning.
• 🔌 Ensure the suction setup is working properly with tubing, canister, and regulator set on continuous medium suction.
• 📏 Prepare the suction kit by laying out the tubing within reach and loosening any oxygen devices.
• 🧤 Open the sterile water container and put on sterile gloves from the kit, ensuring they remain sterile.
• 🧪 Use the sterile gloves to open the cardboard water container and set it up on the sterile field.
• 🌀 Hold the suction catheter with your dominant hand and wrap it around your hand to grasp the plastic end.
• 💧 Pour sterile water into the container with your non-dominant hand, then connect the suction tubing to the catheter.
• 🚫 Slowly insert the catheter into the tracheostomy until resistance is met, then apply intermittent suction while twisting.
• 🔄 After removing the catheter, consider whether another pass is needed, and clean the catheter if secretions are thick.
• 🚫 Limit catheter passes to three per session and do not exceed 10 seconds per pass.
• 👂 After suctioning, check the patient's oxygen saturation and lung sounds to ensure improvement.

Q & A

What is the purpose of suctioning a tracheostomy?

Suctioning a tracheostomy is done to remove secretions from the airway to ensure the patient's breathing is not obstructed.

When should you assess the patient's lung sounds and oxygen saturation?

You should assess the patient's lung sounds and oxygen saturation before and after suctioning to monitor their condition.

What should you check before starting the suctioning process?

Before starting, ensure the suction setup is working properly, including the tubing, canister, and regulator set on continuous medium suction.

How should you position the suction tubing?

The tubing should be laid over the head of the bed or on the patient's chest to ensure it is easily reachable.

Why might you loosen an oxygen device before suctioning?

Loosen an oxygen device to allow for easier insertion of the suction catheter and to prevent obstruction during the procedure.

What items should be included in the suction kit?

The suction kit should include sterile gloves, suction tubing, the suction catheter itself, and a cardboard water container.

How should you handle the sterile gloves to maintain sterility?

Handle the sterile gloves carefully, ensuring that only your sterile hands touch the catheter, and use the package as a sterile field if necessary.

What is the purpose of the sterile water in the suctioning process?

Sterile water is used to moisten the suction catheter and to clean it out if the secretions are thick.

How do you connect the suction tubing to the catheter?

You connect the suction tubing to the plastic part of the suction catheter using your non-dominant hand, ensuring your sterile hand does not touch anything non-sterile.

What is the proper technique for inserting the catheter during suctioning?

Insert the catheter into the tracheostomy until the patient coughs or you meet resistance, then apply intermittent suction while twisting the catheter on its way out.

How many times can you pass the catheter, and what is the maximum duration per pass?

You can do up to three passes with one catheter, with no more than 10 seconds per pass.

What should you do after completing the suctioning process?

After suctioning, ensure the patient's oxygen saturation has improved, listen to their lungs to confirm the secretions have been removed, and dispose of the catheter properly.