Procedure Checklist

Performing Oropharyngeal Suctioning

Name: ________________________________________ Date:____________________________

Head Nurse:_________________________________ Performance Grade:____________

Grading:

3- Very Satisfactory 1- Needs Improvement

2- Satisfactory 0- Not Observed

Preparation Performed Mastered Comments

Yes No
1. Assess

 Assess your facility's policy to determine

whether a physician's order is required for
oropharyngeal suctioning.
 Assess the client's blood gas or oxygen
saturation values and check vital signs.
 Assess the client's ability to cough and deep
breathe to determine the ability to move
secretions up the tracheobronchial tree.
2. Assemble Equipments

 Wall suction or portable suction unit

 Connecting tubing
 Sterile normal saline solution
 Disposable sterile container
 Sterile suction catheter (#10 to #16 French
for an adult)
 Sterile gloves
 Clean gloves
 Goggles
 Oropharyngeal airway (optional for
frequent suctioning)
 Overbed table
 Waterproof trash bag
 Towel
 Procedure
1. Introduce yourself and verify the client’s
identity. Explain to the client what you are
going to do, why it is necessary and how the
client can cooperate.
2. Perform hand washing and observe
appropriate infection control procedures.
3. Provide for client privacy
4. Positions the patient:
a. For oropharyngeal suctioning: Semi-
Fowler’s position with his head turned
toward the nurse
5. Places the linen-saver pad or towel on the
patient’s chest.
6. Puts on a face shield or goggles
7. Turns on the wall suction or portable
suction machine and adjusts the pressure
regulator according to policy
8. Tests the suction equipment by occluding
the
connection tubing
9. Opens the suction catheter kit or the
gathered equipment if a kit is not available
If using the nasal approach, opens the
water-soluble lubricant
10. Dons sterile gloves; keeps the dominant
hand sterile; considers nondominant hand
nonsterile
11. Pours sterile saline into the sterile
container, using the nondominant hand
12. Picks up the suction catheter with the
dominant hand and attaches it to the
connection tubing (to suction).
13. 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 suction
catheter. Applies suction by placing a finger
over the suction control port.
14. Approximates the depth to which to insert
the suction catheter:
a. Oropharyngeal suctioning: Measures the
distance between the edge of the patient’s
mouth and the tip of the patient’s ear lobe.
15. . Lubricates and inserts the suction
catheter:
a. Oropharyngeal suctioning
1) Lubricates the catheter tip with normal
saline.
2) Using the dominant hand, gently but
quickly inserts the suction catheter along
the side of the patient’s mouth into the
 oropharynx.
3) Advances the suction catheter quickly to
the premeasured distance (usually 7 to 10
cm in the adult), being careful not to force
the catheter.
16. Places a finger (thumb) over the suction
control port of the suction catheter and
starts suctioning the patient. Applies
suction while withdrawing the catheter in a
continuous rotating motion
17. Limits suctioning to 5 to 10 seconds.
18. After the catheter is withdrawn, clears it by
placing the tip of the catheter into the
container of sterile saline and applying
suction
19. . Lubricates the catheter and repeats
suctioning as needed, allowing at least 20-
second intervals between suctioning. For
nasopharyngeal suctioning, alternates
nares each time suction is repeated.
20. Coils the suction catheter in the dominant
hand. Pulls the sterile glove off over the
coiled catheter. (Alternatively, wraps the
catheter around the dominant gloved hand
and holds the catheter while removing the
glove over it.)
21. Flush the connecting tubing with normal
saline solution. Discard the used items and
replace with new supplies so they are ready
for the next suctioning.
22. Remove personal protective equipment and
wash your hands.
23. Let the client rest after suctioning while
you continue to observe him. The frequency
and duration of suctioning depend on the
client's tolerance for the procedure and on
any complications
24. Record the date, time, reason for
suctioning, and technique used; amount,
color, consistency, and odor (if any) of the
secretions; the client's respiratory status
before and after the procedure; any
complications and the nursing action taken;
and the client's tolerance for the procedure
Total:

______________________________ ___________________

Signature over printed name Head Nurse