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Why is high-flow oxygen administered before suctioning?

Mar 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, administering high-flow oxygen before suctioning helps prevent hypoxemia, increases oxygen reserves, reduces the risk of hypoxia, improves patient comfort, and alleviates dyspnea. During the suctioning process, the airway may be temporarily obstructed, leading to insufficient oxygen supply and potential hypoxemia. High-flow oxygen administration can elevate blood oxygen levels in advance, preventing a decline in oxygen saturation during suctioning.

Generally, administering high-flow oxygen before suctioning helps prevent hypoxemia, increase oxygen reserves, reduce the risk of hypoxia, improve patient comfort, and alleviate dyspnea. If there are any concerns, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Prevention of Hypoxemia: Airway suctioning may temporarily block the airway, leading to insufficient oxygen supply and causing hypoxemia. High-flow oxygen administration in advance can increase blood oxygen levels and prevent a drop in oxygen saturation during suctioning.

2. Increased Oxygen Reserves: High-flow oxygen can rapidly increase the oxygen concentration within the alveoli, thereby enhancing the patient's oxygen reserves. This allows for maintenance of normal oxygenation even during brief interruptions in oxygen supply caused by suctioning.

3. Reduced Risk of Hypoxia: The suctioning procedure itself may irritate the airway, causing changes in respiratory rate and depth. High-flow oxygen ensures adequate oxygen supply before and after the procedure, reducing the risk of hypoxia caused by suctioning.

4. Improved Patient Comfort: Adequate oxygen supply helps relieve patient anxiety and discomfort, increasing cooperation during suctioning. High-flow oxygen makes patients feel more comfortable and reduces feelings of tension.

5. Alleviation of Dyspnea: For patients already experiencing dyspnea, high-flow oxygen can improve ventilation function and reduce the workload on respiratory muscles. This helps patients better tolerate the suctioning procedure and reduces symptoms of dyspnea.

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of suctioning, it is recommended to administer high-flow oxygen before suctioning and closely monitor the patient's oxygen saturation and other vital signs. Aseptic techniques and standard operating procedures should be followed during the procedure.

References

[1] Wang Q, Sun YW, Shen LJ, et al. Effect of nasal high-flow oxygen on reintubation rate in ICU patients undergoing mechanical ventilation [J]. Guizhou Medical Journal, 2018, 42(10): 1232-1234.

[2] Yang W, Song Y, Wu LN, et al. Analysis of influencing factors and intervention strategies for the application of closed suction catheters in tracheostomy [J]. Anhui Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal, 2014, 18(09): 1799-1800.

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