Oropharyngeal and Nasal Suctioning Procedure

Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal suctioning is primarily used to prevent patients from developing aspiration pneumonia, respiratory distress, and other complications by helping remove respiratory secretions and maintaining airway patency. The specific steps are as follows:

1. The physician assesses the patient's condition, oral cavity, and nasal passages.

2. Prepare necessary supplies: sterile suction catheter, vacuum aspirator (in good working condition and ready for use), suction rinsing bottle (containing Jianzhisu physiological saline 2000mg/L), hand sanitizer, stethoscope, and oropharyngeal airway tube.

3. Monitor the patient’s oxygen saturation, check the vacuum suction equipment, and adjust the pressure accordingly.

4. Check the integrity of the suction catheter, open the packaging, take out the sterile gloves, put on the left glove first, then the right glove, keeping the right hand sterile.

5. Wrap the suction catheter around the right palm, use the left hand to take the suction connecting tube, and attach it to the suction catheter.

6. Open the suction catheter and quickly yet gently insert it through the patient’s nose or mouth into the airway without applying negative pressure until resistance is met. Instruct the patient to cough, apply negative pressure, and simultaneously withdraw and rotate the catheter to suction secretions. Each suctioning episode should not exceed 15 seconds.

7. During suctioning, monitor changes in the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

8. After suctioning, promptly withdraw the catheter and wrap it around the right hand.

9. Flush the suction connecting tube with normal saline, observe the amount, color, and characteristics of the sputum. Turn the right glove inside out to wrap the suction catheter and dispose of it in medical waste.