Notes
- Positioning: Semi-Fowler’s position if Pt is conscious, lateral position if unconscious.
- If indicated, preoxygenate with 100% oxygen as ordered by health-care provider.
- Open sterile suction package and set up sterile container; pour in sterile saline solution.
- Attach sputum trap to suction source.
- Turn on wall unit suction device to 100–200 mm Hg for adult client, 95–110 mm Hg for child, or 50–95 mm Hg for infant, or turn on portable unit to 10–15 mm Hg for adult, 5–10 mm Hg for child, or 2–5 mm Hg for infant.
- Don sterile gloves; grasp sterile suction catheter with dominant (sterile) hand, and connect to sputum trap with nondominant hand (no longer sterile).
- Moisten catheter by dipping into container of sterile saline; occlude suction control port to check suction.
- Gently insert sterile suction catheter through nasopharynx, endotracheal tube, or tracheostomy; leave suction off by leaving suction control port open.
Never apply suction as catheter is introduced. - Insert suction catheter just far enough to stimulate a cough reflex (shallow); apply suction by occluding suction control port with thumb; maintain sputum trap in an upright position during suctioning; suction for 5–10 sec, collecting 2–10 mL sputum.
- Release suction (open suction control port) and remove catheter.
- If sputum is thick and remains in suction catheter, suction a small amount of saline to flush specimen into sputum trap.
- Disconnect sputum trap; if additional suction is needed, connect sterile suction catheter to suction tubing and suction as needed. (See Suctioning later in this section.)
- Close sputum trap by looping rubber tubing over onto suction port on sputum trap.
Attach Pt label with date, time, and your initials; send to lab immediately.