ORONASAL SUCTIONING

Suggested Actions Correctly Partially Not Remarks

Done Done Done

1. Check physician’s orders.

2. Perform hand hygiene.

3. Prepare the materials needed.

4. Identify the client by asking for

the name or checking the
identification band.

5. Introduce yourself to the client.

6. Explain procedure to client.

7. Assess client’s status.

8. Adjust the bed to the appropriate

height. Lower the side rail on the
working side.

9. Provide privacy.

10. Assist client to Fowler’s or Semi-

Fowler’s position.

11. Turn suction to appropriate

pressure in adults.
 Suggested Actions Correctly Partially Not Remarks
Done Done Done

12. Place a clean towel if being used, or a

waterproof pad across the client's
chest. Don goggles, mask and gown, if
necessary.

13. Open sterile kit or set up equipment and

prepare to suction.

a. Place sterile drape, if available, across

the client's chest.

b. Open sterile container or set up and

place them on bedside table or over
bed table without contaminating the
inner surface. Pour sterile saline into it.

c. Don sterile gloves, or one sterile glove

on dominant hand and clean glove on
non-dominant hand.

d. Connect sterile suction catheter to

suction tubing that is held with clean
gloved hand.

14. Holding catheter with sterile dominant

hand, moisten by dipping it into the sterile
water. Check suction on catheter by occluding
the suction port.

15. Remove oxygen delivery setup with

unsterile gloved hand if it still in place.

16.Using sterile glove hand, gently and quickly

insert catheter into oral mucosa or the nares.

Oropharyngeal

a. Run catheter along gum line to the

pharynx in a circular motion, keeping
the catheter moving.
 Suggested Actions Correctly Partially Not Remarks
Done Done Done

Nasopharyngeal

a. Raise the tip of the client’s nose with

your nondominant hand.

b. Without applying suction, gently insert

the suction catheter into the client’s
nares.

c. Roll the catheter between your fingers

to help it advance through the
turbinates.

d. Continue to advance the catheter,

approximately 5” to 6” (12.7 cm-15
cm), until you reach the pool of
secretions of the client begins to
cough.

e. Do not occlude suction port when

inserting catheter.

17.Apply intermittent suction port with thumb

of unsterile gloved hand.

a. Gently rotate catheter with thumb and

index finger of sterile gloved hand as
catheter is being withdrawn.

b. Do not allow suctioning to continue for

more than 10 seconds.

c. Encourage client to cough and deep

breathe between suctioning.

18.Flush the catheter with saline and repeat

suctioning as needed.
 Suggested Actions Correctly Partially Not Remarks
Done Done Done

a. Allow client to rest at least 1 minute

between suctioning, and
replace oxygen delivery setup if
necessary.

b. Limit number of suctioning to three

times.

19. When procedure is completed, turn off

suction and disconnect catheter from
suction tubing.

20. Reapply oxygen supply if indicated.

Auscultate chest to evaluate breath
sounds.

21. Place client in a comfortable position.

22. Place needed items and call bell within

client’s reach.

23. Raise side rails and lower the bed to

the lowest position.

24. Remove equipment and dispose

supplies used.

25.Perform hand hygiene.

26.Document and report client’s response

to procedure.

DOCUMENTATION:
Record;
a. Time of suctioning and the nature and
amount of secretions.

b. Note the character of client’s

respiration before and after suctioning.
ATTITUDE CRITERION
3 2 1 Score Remarks
Behavior
Compliance to prescribed uniform
Completion of other tasks
(assignment, reflection, journal,
etc.)
Time Efficiency
Total Score
EQUIVALENT

Total Weight/ __________ =

__________

Score: 3 x __________ = __________

2 x __________ = __________ (no. of items)
1 x __________ = __________ SCORE: __________________________
K (_____%) = _______% EQUIVALENT: ______________
S (_____%) = _______%
A (_____%) = _______%
Total = _______%

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Signature of Student Over Printed Name Date

________________________________________ __________________________
Signature of Clinical Instructor Over Printed Name Date