Performing Oropharyngeal Suctioning

Summary

This script outlines the step-by-step procedure for performing oropharyngeal suctioning. It covers preparation tasks such as hand hygiene, patient identification, and ensuring privacy. The nurse must assess the patient for signs needing suctioning, use proper protective equipment, and carry out suctioning to clear the mouth of secretions. Afterward, the nurse performs oral care, helps reposition the patient, and documents the procedure. The guide emphasizes patient comfort, safety, and hygiene, ensuring the suctioning process is effective and properly executed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Perform hand hygiene before starting the oropharyngeal suctioning procedure.
• 😀 Ensure privacy for the patient and introduce yourself before the procedure.
• 😀 Verify the patient's identity by asking for their full name and date of birth.
• 😀 Apply a pulse oximeter to monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels.
• 😀 Position the patient in semi-Fowler's or sitting position for effective suctioning.
• 😀 Assess for signs that the patient may require suctioning, such as gurgling or drooling.
• 😀 Use appropriate protective equipment (gloves, mask, gown, face shield) if splashing is likely.
• 😀 Ensure that the suction machine is working by suctioning a small amount of sterile saline.
• 😀 Insert the catheter into the mouth and suction around the mouth to clear secretions.
• 😀 Clean the suctioning equipment and assist the patient with repositioning and mouth care after the procedure.

Q & A

What is the first step in preparing for oropharyngeal suctioning?

The first step is to perform hand hygiene, ensure privacy, and introduce yourself to the patient. It's important to identify the patient by asking for their full name and date of birth.

What equipment should be prepared before suctioning?

You should prepare a pulse oximeter, gloves, a mask, gown, and face shield if splashing is likely. Additionally, you need sterile water or saline, a suction machine, and a Yankauer catheter.

How do you assess if the patient needs suctioning?

Assess for signs like restlessness, gurgling, drooling, ineffective coughing, gastric secretions, or vomitus in the mouth.

What position should the patient be in before starting the suctioning process?

Help the patient into a semi-Fowler's or sitting position to ensure optimal airway management and comfort.

What should be done after connecting the suction tubing to the Yankauer catheter?

Verify that the suction mechanism is working properly by suctioning a small amount of sterile saline from the basin.

What should you do if the patient is using an oxygen mask?

If the patient is using an oxygen mask, remove it but keep it near their face during the suctioning process. If the patient has a nasal cannula, leave it in place.

How do you perform suctioning once the catheter is inserted?

Insert the catheter along the gumline toward the pharynx, apply suction, and move the catheter around the mouth to clear all secretions.

How do you clear the suction tubing after the procedure?

Suction water or normal saline through the catheter until the connecting tubing is cleared of secretions.

What should be done if the patient has a diminished level of consciousness?

If the patient has a diminished level of consciousness, help them into the Sims position to encourage drainage.

What should be documented after the suctioning procedure?

Document the procedure, including how well the patient tolerated the suctioning, and note the amount, consistency, color, and odor of the secretions.