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SUCTIONING Answer Key

I. Oropharyngeal Suctioning 1. 2. 3. 4. True Suction a small amount of water from a cup Thick, copious secretions Irritation, bleeding of mucous membranes Nosocomial infections Stimulation of gag reflex Aspiration of secretions Cardiac dysrhythmias Bronchospasms Lung sounds Respiratory effort Ability to cough, effectiveness of cough Character and amount of secretions Type and frequency of suctioning Patients tolerance of procedure

5.

II. Nasotracheal Suctioning 1. False (Both a mask and a face shield should be worn when performing nasotracheal suctioning due to the potential of a facial splash.) Downward True 9 to 10 inches 10 seconds b. Pull it out using a rotating back-and-forth motion

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

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2 7. Patients color Respiratory rate Comfort level Heart rate

III. Artificial Airway Suctioning 1. 2. 3. True b. Clean, disposable gloves Patient develops severe paroxysms Severe coughing Pallor Difficulty breathing Discomfort Monitor shows pulse below 20 bpm or above 40 bpm Pulse oximeter falls below 90% or 5% from baseline True False (Never reinsert the suction catheter into the trach after nasal or oral suctioning has been performed.) True True

4. 5.

6. 7. 8.

Disconnect mechanical ventilation. Give 2 to 4 gentle breaths with an AMBU bag. Insert the catheter until resistance is felt or the patient coughs. Apply suction pressure/withdraw catheter. Repeat ventilation with the AMBU bag.

Copyright 2003, Mosby, Inc. All Rights Reserved.