What is the proper technique for nasopharyngeal suctioning?
Apply suction by holding your thumb over the suction control port. Slowly remove the catheter while “twirling” it between your fingers to remove mucus. Limit suctioning to 5 to 10 seconds. Once the catheter is out, clean it by dipping it in the sterile water or saline and suctioning.
When is nasopharyngeal suction used?
Nasopharyngeal suction is indicated when there is evidence of retained secretions but the child is not able to clear the secretions independently and secretions are too low down in the airway for oral suction. This must be obtained prior to this procedure being carried out.
Can suction be used on infants?
Routine Suctioning Is Unnecessary The World Health Organization (WHO) now advises against routine bulb suctioning of neonates in the minutes following birth. If the baby is born through clear amniotic fluid and begins breathing on their own shortly after birth, do not suction.
How do you suction a newborn’s airway?
Insert the tip of the bulb into either the mouth or the nose and slowly release your thumb. Suction is created as your thumb releases pressure on the bulb. This will remove the mucus or fluid from your child’s nose or mouth.
What are the adverse effects of nasopharyngeal suctioning?
Suctioning stimulates the vagus nerve. In some patients, this can trigger episodes of bradycardia, as well as related symptoms such as fainting or lightheadedness. Ask about a history of cardiovascular health issues because bradycardia can be more dangerous in patients with heart health issues.
Do you suction a meconium baby?
Infants with meconium-stained amniotic fluid should no longer routinely receive intrapartum suctioning, whether they are vigorous or not.
What is nasopharyngeal suction?
Nasopharyngeal (through the nose) and oropharyngeal (through the mouth) suctioning are done to clear secretions (mucus) from the throat if a child is unable to cough them up or swallow them. A hard-plastic tip with a handle called a Yankauer is usually used to suction secretions in the mouth.
What are the limitations of nasopharyngeal suctioning in neonates?
A second limitation was the oversight of collecting data on the infants’ underlying clinical problems such as increased airway secretion and compromised ventilation, which require more frequent nasopharyngeal suctioning, and in turn, could have contributed to the increased risk of CoNS colonisation and/or sepsis.
Can a nurse perform suctioning on an infant?
However, nasopharyngeal and/or oral suctioning would be carried out by nurses if the infants developed severe respiratory distress or desaturation due to excessive secretion. Any suctioning performed was recorded in the observation chart.
What are the indications for nasal suctioning in pediatric patients?
Indications for Nasopharyngeal Suctioning Suctioning is a potentially hazardous procedure and should only be performed when there are clear indications that excessive pulmonary secretions are affecting the patency of the child’s airway or the effective ventilation of the patient. 8