How it Works
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14-day Free-Trial)

Types of Suctioning Devices and Catheters

- Suctioning devices are machines that generate negative pressure to aspirate secretions from the airway. They can be wall-mounted or portable.

- Suctioning devices have a collection container for secretions, a pressure gauge to adjust the level of suction, a tubing system to connect the device to the catheter, and a control valve to regulate the suction.

- Suctioning catheters are flexible tubes that are inserted into the airway through the artificial airway or the nose or mouth. They have a tip with one or more openings to collect secretions, and a vent that allows intermittent suction by covering and releasing it with the thumb.

- Suctioning catheters come in different sizes and materials. The size is measured by the French scale (Fr), which indicates the external diameter of the catheter. The appropriate size of the catheter depends on the type and size of the artificial airway. Generally, the catheter should not exceed half of the internal diameter of the artificial airway.

- Suctioning catheters can be made of plastic, rubber, or silicone. They can be disposable or reusable. Disposable catheters are preferred for infection control purposes. Reusable catheters should be cleaned and sterilized after each use.

- Suctioning catheters can be open or closed. Open catheters are single-use catheters that are attached to the suction tubing directly. Closed catheters are multi-use catheters that are enclosed in a plastic sleeve that connects to the suction tubing. Closed catheters reduce the risk of infection and contamination, but they are more expensive than open catheters.

Questions on Types of Suctioning Devices and Catheters

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Sterile suctioning is not performed to monitor vital signs. Although vital signs may be monitored during the procedure, it is not the primary purpose of suctioning.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Glass suctioning catheters are not used for sterile suctioning due to the risk of breakage, which can lead to serious injuries and complications.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Feeling lightheaded may be a common sensation during and after suctioning due to the stimulation of the gag reflex, but it does not necessarily contraindicate the procedure. It is essential to ensure adequate oxygenation and provide proper support during the procedure to minimize this discomfort.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Using an artificial airway at night, such as a tracheostomy tube, indicates that the patient may require suctioning to maintain airway patency. While having an artificial airway increases the risk of infection and other complications, it is not a contraindication for sterile suctioning if clinically indicated.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Performing hand hygiene before and after the procedure is vital for infection control, but it is not the most crucial measure to prevent cross-contamination during sterile suctioning. While hand hygiene is essential for reducing the spread of infections, using PPE provides an additional layer of protection during the procedure.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

When suctioning patients with an artificial airway, using disposable plastic catheters is preferred to reduce the risk of infection. Disposable catheters are single-use and discarded after each procedure, minimizing the potential for contamination and cross-infection between patients.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A catheter with a single opening is not ideal for suctioning thick secretions. It may not provide sufficient suctioning power and could lead to ineffective removal of secretions from the patient's airway.

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

Wearing gloves and a mask during suctioning helps protect the nurse from exposure to the patient's bodily fluids and potential infectious agents. Repeat steps 7 to 9 until no more secretions are obtained or until three passes are completed. Do not suction more than three times in a row to prevent complications. Allow at least one minute of rest between each suction pass to prevent fatigue and distress .

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Inserting the catheter into the artificial airway using sterile technique is part of the procedure but should be preceded by wearing proper PPE to maintain a sterile environment.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

Providing encouragement and support to the client throughout the procedure is crucial for their comfort and cooperation. Suctioning can be uncomfortable, and the client may need reassurance during the process.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

(Incorrect) Advising the patient to take slow deep breaths to increase oxygen levels may not be sufficient to address the oxygen saturation drop, which requires immediate intervention.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

(Incorrect) Promising to suction quickly may not address the client's worry and might compromise the effectiveness of the procedure, as thorough suctioning is necessary.

(Incorrect) Assessing the patient's response to suctioning is essential, but ensuring safety and repositioning take precedence immediately after the procedure.

<p>Preoxygenating the patient with 100% oxygen is not a step required before suctioning. Preoxygenation may be necessary before some procedures, but it is not specifically indicated for sterile suctioning.</p>

<p>Increasing the suction pass time is not recommended as it can exacerbate the patient&#39;s condition and lead to complications. The focus should be on stopping suctioning and providing appropriate interventions.</p>

<p>Providing oral or nasal care after suctioning helps maintain the patient&#39;s airway, promote comfort, and prevent infections.</p>

<p>Before performing sterile suctioning on a patient with an endotracheal tube (ETT), the nurse should preoxygenate the patient with 100% oxygen. Suctioning can temporarily decrease oxygen levels in the airway, and preoxygenation helps prevent hypoxia during the procedure.</p>

<p>Suctioning more than three times in a row is not recommended because it can lead to hypoxia and tissue trauma. Frequent suctioning can reduce the oxygen levels in the airway and cause damage to the delicate tissues.<strong> </strong></p>

<p>Dismissing the patient&#39;s anxiety by stating that suctioning is routine may not effectively address the patient&#39;s feelings and may not be comforting.<br /> </p>

<p>The nurse should respond by acknowledging the discomfort and pausing the procedure to reposition the nasopharyngeal tube. Repositioning can help alleviate the discomfort while ensuring the oxygenation needs are still met.</p>

<p>Increasing the suction pressure for one last pass is not necessary and may cause harm to the patient&#39;s airway. Proper suctioning technique involves limiting the suctioning time and pressure to avoid tissue damage and potential complications.</p>

<p>Changing the tracheostomy ties every 24 hours is the appropriate action. Regular changing of the ties helps prevent complications such as skin breakdown, ensures a secure fit of the tracheostomy tube, and reduces the risk of infection.</p>

<p>Limiting the suctioning time to 5 seconds is too short to effectively clear secretions from the airway, especially in patients with excessive or tenacious secretions. Sufficient time is needed to ensure proper removal of respiratory secretions and maintain the patient&#39;s airway patency.</p>

<p>Rinsing the catheter and tubing with saline after each suction pass helps maintain patency and prevent the accumulation of secretions, ensuring effective suctioning during the procedure.</p>
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN
(14 Day Free-Trial)

Search Here

Related Topics

More on Nursing

Free Nursing Study Materials

Access to all study guides and practice questions for nursing for free.

  • Free Nursing Study Trials
  • Free Nursing Video tutorials
  • Free Nursing Practice Tests
  • Free Exam and Study Modes
  • Free Nursing Revision Quizlets
Join Us Today