Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 79 tip. a. If suctioning through the mouth, pass suction catheter to the back of the throat. b. If suctioning through the nostril, lubricate the catheter with a water soluble jelly to ease insertion. Gently insert catheter to back of throat until resistance is met or the cough reflex has been stimulated. 10. Slowly withdraw, while rotating the catheter and applying intermittent suction. To suction intermittently, repeatedly open and close the control port with finger or thumb. Note: DO NOT leave the suction catheter in the airway for longer than 10-15 seconds. DO NOT hold finger over control port for more than 5 seconds. DO NOT jab catheter up and down. 11. Have a container of sterile water or saline to clear the catheter between suctioning attempts. 12. Wait 2-3 minutes before suctioning again. To prevent contaminating the catheter, wrap it around the gloved fingers. Administer oxygen or bag patient, if applicable. 14. Rinse the vacuum connecting tube with rinsing solution by immersing it in the container of solution with vacuum turned on. Discard container. 15. Turn off vacuum source. 16. Wash hands. Yankauer Suction Catheter A Yankauer Suction Catheter is a permanent suction catheter and is used to remove secretions from the mouth and throat. The procedure is the same as with a conventional catheter except that the Yankauer catheter is not discarded, but is cleaned in the following manner: After each use: a. Rinse catheter with warm running water. b. Shake off excess water and drain dry on a clean towel . DOCUMENTATION: Document the procedure on the patient's clinical record, including the date and time of the procedure, estimated amount and type of secretions obtained, and the patient's tolerance of the procedure. Document any teaching performed and the patient's or caregiver's response. If further action is indicated, document follow-up/notification of Clinical Manager and/or physician. ____________________________________________________