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Essential Guide to Oropharyngeal Suctioning

Apr 23, 2025

Lecture Notes: Oropharyngeal Suctioning

Introduction

  • Topic: Oropharyngeal suctioning
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Learning Objectives

  1. Definition of oropharyngeal suction
  2. Indications for use
  3. Required equipment
  4. Procedure steps
  5. Nursing considerations
  6. Potential complications

What is Oropharyngeal Suctioning?

  • Definition: Medical procedure to remove secretions, mucus, or fluids from the mouth and throat
  • Purpose:
    • Maintain a patent airway
    • Improve oxygenation by removing obstructions

Indications for Oropharyngeal Suctioning

  • Visible secretions obstructing airflow (mucus, phlegm, saliva)
  • Difficulty in coughing up secretions or swallowing
  • Unconscious or stroke patients
  • Intubation preparation
  • Ventilator use
  • Vomitus in the mouth
  • Post-oral hygiene for ventilator/unconscious patients
  • Post-oral surgery
  • Trauma or foreign body obstruction

Equipment Needed

  • Personal protective equipment (gown, mask, goggles/face shield)
  • Oral airway (if needed)
  • Yankauer suction devices or suction catheter
  • Connecting tubing
  • Suction machine or wall-mounted device
  • Disposable paper drape
  • Disposable cup with normal saline

Understanding Suction Catheters

Yankauer Suction Catheter

  • Features:
    • Rigid design
    • Suction larger particles
  • Parts:
    • Handle: Used for control
    • Tubing: Connects to suction source
    • Shaft: Rigid, allows visualization of material
    • Tip: Multiple side holes, reduces tissue trauma
    • Vacuum Control Port: Adjusts suction pressure

Regular Suction Catheter

  • Features:
    • Flexible design
  • Parts:
    • Catheter Tube: Long, flexible
    • Connector: Connects to suction apparatus
    • Thumb Controlled Valve: Regulates pressure
    • Tip: Designed for effective suctioning

Procedure for Oropharyngeal Suctioning

  1. Identify the patient and explain the procedure
  2. Position patient in semi-Fowler's
  3. Wash hands and wear PPE
  4. Prepare saline in bowl/cup
  5. Connect tubing to suction apparatus and Yankauer
  6. Turn on suction (maintain pressure 100-120 mmHg)
  7. Test function
  8. Insert catheter; apply suction
  9. Encourage patient to cough
  10. Clear suction catheter
  11. Replace articles, remove PPE, and wash hands
  12. Monitor and document vital signs and procedure details

Nursing Considerations

  • Hyperventilate patient on oxygen support before suctioning
  • Suction pressure not to exceed 150 mmHg; maintain 100-120 mmHg

Complications

  1. Trauma: To oral tissues
  2. Infection: Due to improper control measures
  3. Hypoxia: If suction lasts over 15 seconds
  4. Vagal Response: Can cause bradycardia or hypotension

Conclusion

  • Recap of procedure benefits and cautions
  • Encourage likes, shares, and subscriptions

End of Lecture

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