PROCEDURE CHECKLIST

Chapter 35: Performing Tracheostomy or Endotracheal Suctioning

Check (9) Yes or No

PROCEDURE STEPS Yes No COMMENTS

1. Positions the patient in semi-Fowler’s position,
unless contraindicated.
2. Places a linen-saver pad or towel on the patient’s
chest.
3. Puts on a face shield or goggles.
4. Turns on the wall suction or portable suction
machine and adjusts the pressure regulator according to
agency policy (typically 100 to 120 mm Hg for adults,
95 to 110 mm Hg for children, and 50 to 95 mm Hg for
infants).
5. Tests the suction equipment by occluding the
connection tubing.
6. Opens the suction catheter kit or the gathered
equipment if a kit is not available.
7. Dons sterile gloves. Considers the dominant hand
sterile and the nondominant hand nonsterile.
8. Pours sterile saline into the sterile container, using
the nondominant hand.
9. Picks up the suction catheter with the dominant
hand and attaches it to the connection tubing.
10. Puts the tip of the suction catheter into the sterile
container of normal saline solution and suctions a small
amount of normal saline solution through the catheter.
Applies suction by placing a finger over the suction
control port of the suction catheter.
11. Hyperoxygenates the patient according to agency
policy:
a. Patient Requiring Mechanical Ventilation:
Presses the 100% O2 button on the ventilator or
attaches the resuscitation bag to the endotracheal
tube or tracheostomy tube and manually
hyperoxygenates the patient by compressing the
resuscitation bag 3 to 5 times as the patient inhales.
Removes the resuscitation bag and places it next to
the patient when finished.
b. Patient Not Requiring Mechanical Ventilation:
Attaches the resuscitation bag to the tracheostomy
or endotracheal tube and hyperoxygenates the
patient by compressing the resuscitation bag 3 to 5
times. Removes the resuscitation bag and places it

Copyright © 2007, F. A. Davis Company, Wilkinson & Van Leuven/Procedure Checklists for Fundamentals of Nursing
 next to the patient when finished.
12. Lubricates the suction catheter tip with normal
saline.
13. Using the dominant hand, gently but quickly
inserts the suction catheter into the endotracheal tube
or tracheostomy tube.
14. Advances the suction catheter, with suction off,
gently aiming downward and being careful not to force
the catheter.
15. Applies suction while withdrawing the catheter.
16. Does not apply suction for longer than 10 seconds.
17. Repeats suctioning as needed, allowing at least 30-
second intervals between suctioning.
18. Hyperoxygenates patient between each pass.
19. Replaces the oxygen source, if the patient was
removed from the source during suctioning.
20. Coils the suction catheter in the dominant hand
(alternatively, wraps it around the dominant hand).
Pulls the sterile glove off over the coiled catheter.
21. Discards the glove and catheter in a water resistant
receptacle designated by the agency.
22. Using the nondominant hand, clears the connecting
tubing of secretions by placing the tip into the
container of sterile saline.
23. Provides mouth care.

Recommendation: Pass ______ Needs more practice ______

Student: Date:

Instructor: Date:

Copyright © 2007, F. A. Davis Company, Wilkinson & Van Leuven/Procedure Checklists for Fundamentals of Nursing