Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 78 NASAL ORAL PHARANGEAL SUCTIONING PURPOSE: Oral nasopharyngeal suctioning is to be done maintain a clear airway, facilitate air exchange when an effective cough is not present or when swallowing is difficult. RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL: RN, LPN EQUIPMENT: Suction machine, sterile/disposable suction kits, sterile gloves, sterile water or normal saline, water soluble jelly SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Potential complications: The physician should be notified of any problems during or after the procedure, such as: • Blood in the secretions • Feelings of fear, nervousness, anxiety, panic • Severe shortness of breath Note: Suctioning, especially if done improperly, can cause a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. Points of emphasis: • Secretions should be suctioned from the nose, mouth and/or throat as often as necessary (i.e., when secretions can be seen or heard). • To reduce the possibility of contamination, a clean technique is essential. • To prevent damage to the airway, the following are recommended vacuum settings for various age groups: • Adults 80-120 mm Hg • Children 80-100 mm Hg • Infants 60-100 mm Hg PROCEDURE: 1. Wash hands. 2. Assemble equipment. 3. Turn the vacuum source on and make sure it is in good working order. 4. Wash hands thoroughly. 5. Open suction kit. DO NOT TOUCH CONTENTS. It is very important to keep everything as clean as possible to prevent infection. 6. Put gloves on. With non-dominant hand, grasp suction tubing from machine. Pick up suction catheter with dominant hand and attach to suction tubing. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING EXCEPT CATHETER WITH DOMINANT HAND. 8. Have patient take several deep breaths before suctioning is begun. If receiving oxygen, take deep breaths with oxygen on. If patient is ventilator dependent, ventilate with manual bag prior to suctioning. 9. Having vacuum on and control port open, grasp the catheter about 4 to 6 inches from the