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In This Section The upper airway warms, cleans and moistens the air we breathe. The trach tube bypasses these mechanisms, so that the air moving through the tube is cooler, dryer and not as clean. In response to these changes, the body produces more mucus. Suctioning clears mucus from the tracheostomy tube and is essential for proper breathing. Also, secretions left in the tube could become contaminated and a chest infection could develop. Avoid suctioning too frequently as this could lead to more secretion buildup. Removing mucus from trach tube without suctioning
When to suctionSuctioning is important to prevent a mucus plug from blocking the tube and stopping the patient's breathing. Suctioning should be considered
The secretions should be white or clear. If they start to change color, (e.g. yellow, brown or green) this may be a sign of infection. If the changed color persists for more than three days or if it is difficult to keep the tracheostomy tube intact, call your surgeon's office. If there is blood in the secretions (it may look more pink than red), you should initially increase humidity and suction more gently. A Swedish or artificial nose (HME), which is a cap that can be attached to the tracheostomy tube, may help to maintain humidity. The cap contains a filter to prevent particles from entering the airway and maintains the patient's own humidity. Putting the patient in the bathroom with the door closed and shower on will increase the humidity immediately. If the patient coughs up or has bright red blood mucus suctioned, or if the patient develops a fever, call your surgeon's office immediately. How to suctionEquipment
Whether you're crossing the country or the globe, we make it easy to access world-class care at Johns Hopkins. How do you measure Nasotracheal suctioning?When performing nasotracheal suctioning, measure the catheter from the nose to the tip of the earlobe, then downward from the thyroid cartilage to the neck. The catheter should usually be 20-24 centimeters in adults, 14-20 centimeters in children, and 8-14 centimeters in young children and infants.
Which client assessment should the nurse perform during nasopharyngeal suctioning?Assess patient to confirm need for suctioning (assess lung sounds, oxygen sats, RR, rhythm & depth, nasal flaring, increased work of breathing, retractions, grunting).
Which action is most useful in evaluating the effectiveness of oropharyngeal suctioning?Which action is most useful in evaluating the effectiveness of oropharyngeal suctioning? Comparing presuctioning and postsuctioning respiratory assessment data.
What is the purpose of Nasotracheal suctioning?Nasotracheal suction is one of the common methods used to maintain a patient airway. A flexible catheter is inserted through the nose and pharynx into the trachea to remove secretions, blood, vomit or other foreign materials.
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