Supplies needed:
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Suction machine
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Connecting tubing
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Catheter of correct size for patient
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Sterile normal saline
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Bowl with small amount of sterile water
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Eye dropper
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Soap and water
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Resuscitation bag
1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Have resuscitation bag ready in case needed.
2. Connect tubing to suction machine.
3. Cover thumb control valve on tubing to allow for vacuum build-up. If there is no thumb control valve, cover tube ending with your thumb. If necessary adjust vacuum regulator to proper setting. Vacuum pressure should be kept in the recommended range. A balance needs to be found between suctioning strong enough to remove mucus but not so strong as to cause tissue damage. Your health care provider will give instructions on the proper suction strength.
4. Connect catheter to tubing.
5. Place tip of catheter in bowl of sterile water to moisten, then test suction.
6. Only if your health care provider recommends: Instill sterile normal saline into trach if mucus is thick and/or dry. Using a prepackaged ampoule of saline or an eye dropper, place a few drops of saline directly into the tracheostomy tube while taking a long deep breath. The saline will help cause a cough reflex which will encourage the loosening of mucus and make suctioning more productive.
7. Using thumb and index finger insert catheter into trach. Once the catheter is properly in place, cover the hole on the fingertip tubing (if available) to apply suction. Using intermittent suctioning, twirl the catheter between thumb and index finger as you exit the trach. This will allow removal of mucus from all sides of the trach tube. It is important to remember that suctioning should not be done more than 5-10 seconds at a time. Prolonged suctioning can cause tissue damage and hypoxia (lack of oxygen).
8. Rinse out catheter with sterile water until clear and repeat if necessary. Be sure to wait 1 to 2 minutes before repeating to allow for reoxygenation to occur.
9. Clean and put away supplies according to manufacturer's instructions. Wash hands with soap and water to complete the procedure.