6 Key Considerations for Using Suction Catheters

Suction catheters are an important device in various healthcare settings, allowing for the effective removal of secretions from the patient's airways. Learning the proper use of suction catheters is crucial for ensuring patient safety and comfort. This article shares use steps and 6 considerations for using suction catheters, now have a quick look.

Steps for Using a Suction Catheter 

1. Preparation and Equipment Gathering

Start by gathering all vital supplies, including gloves, a suction machine, sterile saline, and the suction catheter. Ensuring you have a suction catheter kit ready will streamline the process and enhance efficiency. Perform hand hygiene and wear gloves to preserve a sterile environment. 

2. Setting Up the Suction Device

Connect the suction catheter to the suction machine, ensuring that the correct suction pressure is set. For adults, the recommended pressure typically ranges from 80 to 120 mmHg. For pediatric patients, it is significant to lower the pressure to maintain a strategic distance from injury. 

3. Pre-Oxygenation

Before inserting the catheter, pre-oxygenate the persistent to moderate desaturation, particularly in patients at risk for respiratory compromise. Usually imperative to keep up satisfactory oxygen levels amid the procedure.

4. Inserting the Catheter

Delicately embed the suction catheter into the aviation route, taking care to maintain a strategic distance from the over-the-top drive. Suctioning ought to be as it happened while pulling back the catheter to play down bothering and injury to the airway.

5. Monitoring Patient Response

After suctioning, assess the patient's response and monitor oxygen immersion levels. Continuous observation amid and after the strategy is essential for ensuring patient safety and comfort.

 

Post-Use Care and Maintenance

After successfully using the suction catheter, follow these steps for proper disposal and documentation:

• Disposal: Dispose of the suction catheter according to medical waste protocols. Most suction catheters are designed for single use to ensure sterility and safety.

• Documentation: Record the procedure in the patient's medical record, noting the type and amount of secretions removed, as well as the patient's response. This information is vital for ongoing patient management. 
  
  

Key Considerations for Effective Suctioning

 

1. Frequency of Suctioning

Suctioning should only be performed as needed. Routine suctioning can pose risks, including airway irritation and hypoxia. Monitor the patient's condition closely to determine the appropriate frequency. 

2. Catheter Size Selection

The size of the suction catheter should be suitable for the patient's age and airway anatomy. Pediatric patients require smaller catheters, generally ranging from 6 to 8 French, while adults may need sizes from 10 to 14 French. The catheter should ideally occupy less than 50% of the inner breadth of the airway tube to avoid obstruction.

3. Vacuum Pressure Levels

Utilize a vacuum pressure level of 70 to 150 mmHg for adults, altering as fundamental based on the consistency of secretions. Higher pressures may be fitting for thick secretions but can increase the risk of mucosal injury. 

4. Open vs. Closed Suctioning Systems

Open suctioning temporarily disconnects the patient from the ventilator, while closed systems allow the patient to remain connected. Each method has its advantages, and the choice should be based on the clinical situation and patient tolerance. 

5. Depth of Catheter Insertion

The depth of insertion can vary; some practitioners favor deep suctioning to clear lower airway secretions, while others advocate for shallow suctioning to minimize the risk of trauma. 

6. Monitoring and Clinical Judgment

Regularly assess the patient's condition and adjust the suction catheter size as needed. Monitoring the patient's response during suctioning is crucial to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Using suction catheters successfully is vital for healthcare professionals included in airway management. BEVER Medical offers a comprehensive range of suction catheters and suction catheter kits appropriate for children, adults, and the elderly. By following appropriate tips and guidelines, healthcare providers can upgrade patient outcomes and ensure safer, more efficient care.

For more information on our suction catheter products, please visit Bever Medical. They can meet your clinical needs, browse more on our website can help you make informed decisions.