ET Tube and Trach Suctioning Skills

first thing to do

BSI/PPE

what kind of suction catheter are you using

a soft-tipped one

what 2 things do you need to assure before suctioning

assure pt is prepared with proper O2/ventilation and that suction equipment functions properly

what do you need to do first before inserting the catheter

you have to measure the max length to either an unused ETT of the same size or an unused trach tube

what is the max suction time for pediatric and adults

adults are 15s and pediatric is 5s

what 2 things do you need to do after at the end

demonstrate/verbalize removal and replacement of O2 and ventilation as well as assessment of airway and respiratory status

what to say at the end

I’ll replace O2/ventilation, reassess airway patency and respiratory status, and continue O2/ventilation as needed