Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
SUCTIONING A CHILD
Removal of secretions from airway using suction catheter to maintain patent airway.
Purpose
- Clear airway secretions
- Improve oxygenation
- Prevent aspiration
- Facilitate breathing
Indications
- Excessive secretions
- Ineffective cough
- Respiratory distress
- Artificial airway
- Decreased consciousness
Equipment
- Suction machine
- Appropriate catheter size
- Sterile gloves
- Sterile saline
- Oxygen source
- Bag-valve-mask
- Monitoring equipment
Preparation
- Set appropriate suction pressure
- Select catheter size
- Prepare oxygen
- Position child
Procedure steps
- Assess need for suctioning
- Explain procedure
- Perform hand hygiene
- Pre-oxygenate
- Insert catheter without suction
- Apply suction while withdrawing
- Limit duration
- Re-oxygenate
- Assess effectiveness
- Document procedure
Precautions
- Use sterile technique
- Limit suction time
- Monitor oxygen saturation
- Avoid traumatic suctioning
Aftercare
- Assess breath sounds
- Monitor vital signs
- Provide comfort measures
- Document response
Nursing considerations
- Use developmental approach
- Minimize anxiety
- Coordinate with respiratory therapy
Patient education
- Explain purpose
- Teach coughing techniques
- Discuss signs of respiratory distress
Documentation
- Indication for suctioning
- Secretions characteristics
- Duration and frequency
- Patient tolerance
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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