When suctioning a child with a tracheostomy, what should the nurse do to maintain a patent airway and prevent complications?
A.
Apply suction continuously while inserting the suction catheter.
B.
Use a large diameter suction catheter for better suctioning.
C.
Suction for no more than 10 seconds at a time.
D.
Apply suction while the child is exhaling.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Suction for no more than 10 seconds at a time.
Explanation:
When suctioning a child with a tracheostomy, maintaining a patent airway and preventing complications is critical. Proper technique ensures that the child receives adequate oxygenation and reduces the risk of adverse effects.
1. Suction Duration:
Suctioning should be done for no longer than 10 seconds at a time. This is because prolonged suctioning can cause hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and damage to the airway mucosa. The suctioning process can also lead to discomfort and increased airway resistance if done excessively. Short, controlled suctioning helps in minimizing these risks and ensures that the child remains comfortable and safe.
2. Avoid Continuous Suctioning:
Applying suction continuously while inserting the catheter (Option A) is not recommended. Continuous suctioning can cause trauma to the airway lining and lead to mucosal damage or bleeding. It also increases the risk of suctioning out essential secretions and can lead to hypoxia due to prolonged disruption of airflow.
3. Suction Catheter Size:
Using a larger diameter suction catheter (Option B) might seem like it would improve suction efficiency, but it can actually increase the risk of airway trauma and obstruct normal airflow. It is important to use the appropriate size catheter for the child’s tracheostomy tube and airway size to minimize these risks.
4. Suctioning During Exhalation:
Applying suction while the child is exhaling (Option D) is generally not advised as it can lead to increased airway pressure and discomfort. The best practice is to suction during the end of expiration or when the child is not actively inhaling to prevent airway collapse and minimize discomfort.
Conclusion:
Proper suctioning technique involves limiting the duration of suctioning to 10 seconds to prevent complications and ensuring that the suctioning is performed with care to maintain airway integrity and comfort. This approach helps in effectively clearing secretions while minimizing the risk of adverse effects on the child’s respiratory system.