How to Safely Suction a Child's Tracheostomy
What should a nurse do when suctioning the tracheostomy of a child?
A. Insert the catheter with the suction port of the catheter closed.
B. Keep the catheter straight as it is removed from the tracheostomy tube.
C. Use clean technique while suctioning.
D. Insert the catheter slightly beyond the end of the tracheostomy tube.
Answer:
To safely suction a child's tracheostomy, a nurse should insert the catheter beyond the end of the tube with the suction port closed, maintain sterility, and keep the catheter straight while removing it.
When suctioning the tracheostomy of a child, the nurse should follow specific procedures to ensure the patient's safety and the effectiveness of the suctioning. Inserting the catheter slightly beyond the end of the tracheostomy tube is considered the correct practice. This allows the catheter to reach secretions without being too aggressive.
It is important to insert the catheter with the suction port of the catheter closed to avoid damaging the tracheal lining. Only when withdrawing the catheter should the nurse open the suction port to effectively remove secretions. Additionally, the catheter should be kept straight while it is removed from the tracheostomy tube, to minimize trauma to the tracheal lining and prevent the aspiration of contaminants.
The use of clean technique while suctioning is mandatory to prevent infection. The procedure requires sterile equipment, and the nurse must perform hand hygiene and wear gloves, mask, and eye protection to maintain sterility during suctioning.