7.10 : Tracheostomy Suctioning I: Pre-Procedural Steps

Tracheostomy suctioning is a critical procedure healthcare professionals perform to maintain a patent airway in patients with a tracheostomy tube. This procedure is necessary when secretions accumulate in the airway, causing respiratory distress. Here is a step-wise procedural guide for performing tracheostomy suctioning using an open system.

Equipment Required

First, gather all necessary equipment: a sterile suction catheter, a sterile disposable container, sterile gloves, a towel or waterproof pad, goggles, a mask, additional PPE as required, clean gloves, and a resuscitation bag connected to 100% oxygen.

Procedural Steps

Step 1: Preparation

Prepare your work area by bringing all necessary equipment to the bedside stand or overbed table to conserve time and energy.

Step 2: Hygiene and Identification

Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE based on transmission precautions to prevent the spread of microorganisms. Identify the patient to ensure the correct individual receives the intervention and prevent errors.

Step 3: Privacy and Assessment

Close curtains around the bed and the room doors to ensure the patient's privacy. Verify the suction order and assess the patient to determine the need for suctioning. Administer pain medication if needed before suctioning.

Step 4: Patient Positioning

Lower the side rail closest to you. If the patient is conscious, place them in a semi-Fowler's; if unconscious, put them in the lateral position facing you. It is advisable to place a towel or waterproof pad on the patient's bed to safeguard both the patient and the bed linens.

Step 5: Setting Up Suction

Turn on the suction to the appropriate pressure, put on a clean glove, and check the suction pressure by occluding the end of the connecting tubing.