The main function of a medical suction tubing is to remove secretions, sputum, blood, or other fluids from the respiratory tract, lungs, or other parts of the body to help the patient breathe more easily, relieve shortness of breath, and improve lung health. Specifically:
Respiratory secretion removal: A suction tube can be used to remove sputum, blood, food, and other foreign matter from the respiratory tract, preventing airway obstruction and maintaining airway patency.
Post-endotracheal intubation care: A suction tube can be used to clear sputum and secretions from the trachea after endotracheal intubation, preventing airway obstruction and lung infection.
Treatment of lung infections: A suction tube can be used to remove pus and sputum produced by lung infections, helping to control infection and promote lung recovery.
Newborn and infant care: A suction tube can be used to remove respiratory secretions in newborns and infants to prevent airway obstruction and lung infection. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nursing: Suction tubes are widely used in ICUs to clear secretions from the respiratory tract and trachea, preventing airway obstruction and lung infection.
Instructions
To use a suction tube:
Checking the equipment: Connect the suction tube to the vacuum pump and test for normal negative pressure. Lubricate the tip of the suction tube with saline and flush the tube to confirm patency.
Inserting the suction tube:
Oral/nasal insertion: Wearing sterile gloves, gently insert the suction tube into the nasal or oral cavity. The insertion depth for adults is approximately 14-16 cm (oral) or 20-25 cm (nasal), and for children, the insertion depth should be adjusted based on age.
Intubated/endotracheally intubated patients: The insertion depth should extend 1-2 cm beyond the end of the tube to avoid excessive airway stimulation.
Suctioning secretions: Press the side hole of the suction tube with your thumb to activate negative pressure, rotating and withdrawing the tube. Suctioning should last no more than 15 seconds per session. If the secretions are thick, dilute them with saline drips into the airway before suctioning. Observation and Recording: Aseptic technique must be followed, and suction tubes must be replaced after each use to avoid reuse. Gloves, saline solutions, and other items must be strictly sterile.
Applicable Scenarios
Supplementary Scenarios for Suction Tubes include:
Patients who are conscious but unable to expectorate: Such as those who are comatose or debilitated, can have a suction tube inserted through the mouth or nose.
Patients with established artificial airways: For patients who have undergone endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy, a suction tube can be inserted into the trachea via a cannula or overtube.
For deep sputum obstruction, situations where conventional suctioning is ineffective, or precise positioning is required: Direct bronchoscope suctioning of secretions from specific bronchi can be performed.
Patients with heavy pulmonary secretions: For patients with bronchiectasis, position the patient to direct sputum to the larger airways before suctioning.
Patients with low blood oxygen saturation: Use high-flow humidified oxygen therapy before and after suctioning to reduce hypoxia caused by the procedure.
How to Choose the Right Suction Tube?
When choosing the right suction tube, consider the following factors:
Tube Diameter: Adults generally use a 12-16 gauge (4-5.3mm diameter) suction tube, while children should choose a 6-12 gauge (2-4mm diameter) depending on their age. Ensure the tube diameter does not exceed half the inner diameter of the endotracheal tube to avoid excessive airway irritation.
Material and Design: Silicone suction tubes are preferred, as they are soft and less irritating. Suction tubes with side holes can disperse negative pressure and reduce the risk of mucosal damage.
Pre-procedure Equipment Preparation: Essential supplies include a disposable suction tube, a vacuum device (adjustable negative pressure: 0.02-0.04MPa for adults, 0.013-0.027MPa for children), sterile saline, sterile gloves, a treatment tray, a curved tray, etc.
Equipment Inspection: Before use, inspect the vacuum device to ensure a tight connection and proper suction. Verify that the suction tube packaging is intact and within its expiration date. Avoid using damaged or expired products.
Patient Assessment and Preparation: Assess the patient's vital signs, state of consciousness, and sputum characteristics and volume to determine the necessity and timing of suctioning. Assess the patient's blood oxygen saturation; if it is below 90%, administer oxygen before suctioning.
Precautions
When using a suction tube, the following precautions should be observed:
Aseptic technique: Replace the suction tube after each use to avoid reuse. Gloves, saline solution, and other items must be strictly sterile.
Gentle manipulation: Avoid rough insertion or excessive negative pressure that may cause mucosal bleeding. Negative pressure should not be applied during insertion.
Time control: Prolonged single suctioning may cause hypoxia; a 2-3 minute interval is required before repeating the procedure.
Contraindications: Avoid nasal suctioning in patients with head injury; use with caution in patients with coagulation disorders.
Observe for reactions: Avoid mucosal damage during the procedure and maintain strict disinfection to prevent infection.
