Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
SUCTIONING OF A CHILD
This is the removal of secretions from airways using negative pressure suction.
Purpose
- Clear airway
- Improve ventilation
- Prevent aspiration
- Obtain specimens
Indications
- Visible secretions
- Ineffective cough
- Respiratory distress
- Artificial airway presence
Equipment
- Suction machine
- Suction catheter (appropriate size)
- Sterile gloves
- Sterile saline
- Oxygen source
- Resuscitation bag
- Specimen container if needed
Preparation
- Check suction function
- Select appropriate catheter size
- Set correct pressure
- Pre-oxygenate patient
Procedure steps
- Explain procedure to child/family
- Perform hand hygiene
- Don sterile gloves
- Connect catheter to suction
- Set appropriate pressure
- Pre-oxygenate if needed
- Insert catheter without suction
- Apply suction while withdrawing
- Limit each pass to 10 seconds
- Allow recovery between passes
- Rinse catheter between passes
- Reassess airway
- Provide oxygen post-procedure
Precautions
- Use sterile technique
- Avoid traumatic suctioning
- Limit duration
- Monitor oxygen saturation
Aftercare
- Reassess respiratory status
- Provide oxygen as needed
- Comfort child
- Document procedure
Nursing considerations
- Choose correct catheter size
- Consider sedation if needed
- Minimize discomfort
Patient education
- Explain purpose
- Teach coughing techniques
- Encourage deep breathing
Documentation
- Indication for suctioning
- Character and amount of secretions
- Patient tolerance
- Vital signs before/after
- Complications if any
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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