Suctioning
Suctioning a tracheostomy tube
Suctioning a tracheostomy tube keeps the airway clear of secretion [3]. However, suction only when necessary as frequent suctioning can increase lung secretions [2, 3].
You need to suction the child’s tracheostomy when:
- you hear rattling or bubbling of secretions in the tube
- the child is breathing faster or harder
- the child is restless, anxious or scared
- the child becomes sweaty or a pale, grey or blue colour, especially around their mouth [2, 3, 7].
Equipment required:
- suction machine
- suction catheters
- a cup of water
- tissues
Suctioning procedure
- Wash and dry your hands [2].
- Position the child so it is easy to access their tube.
- Remove the child’s humidication filter [2].
- Turn the suction machine on and connect the suction catheter [2]. The end of catheter should not touch anything that is not clean [8].
- Measure the length the catheter needs to be inserted and hold the catheter at this point. This should be 0.5cm longer than the child’s tracheostomy tube [5, 6]. Insert the catheter to the measured length. This may make the child cough [2].
- Apply suction by putting your thumb over the y-piece.
- Gently remove the catheter in less than 5 seconds [5, 6].
- Let the child recover [2]. If the tube is not cleared, repeat the procedure. You may use the same catheter for the whole episode of suctioning [6].
- Replace the child’s humidification filter.
- Use a tissue to wipe secretions from around the tube [2].
- Throw away suction catheters after each episode of suctioning.
- Suction water through the tubing to clear it of secretions [2, 3, 6].
If the secretions are thick, encourage the child to drink more fluids [9]. If you notice a change in the colour or smell of the child’s secretions, please let the doctor or visiting nurse know. This may mean the child has an infection [2].