--- title: 6 Precautions Nurses Should Take When Suctioning description: These simple precautionary measures can reduce risk and improve patient outcomes when using the suctioning procedure in nursing. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/6%20Precautions%20to%20Take%20When%20Using%20the%20Suctioning%20Procedure%20in%20Nursing.jpg --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [6 Precautions Nurses Should Take When Suctioning](https://blog.sscor.com/6-precautions-to-take-when-using-the-suctioning-procedure-in-nursing) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Apr 18, 2024 8:00:00 AM 4 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/6-precautions-to-take-when-using-the-suctioning-procedure-in-nursing#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/6-precautions-to-take-when-using-the-suctioning-procedure-in-nursing#) 0 ![6 Precautions to Take When Using the Suctioning Procedure in Nursing](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/6%20Precautions%20to%20Take%20When%20Using%20the%20Suctioning%20Procedure%20in%20Nursing.jpg?width=724&name=6%20Precautions%20to%20Take%20When%20Using%20the%20Suctioning%20Procedure%20in%20Nursing.jpg) Sooner or later, every nurse must suction a patient. For nurses who work in intensive care units or emergency care, or who support patients with spinal cord injuries, suctioning may be a daily part of the job. When suctioning becomes routine, it’s [easy to lose sight of the risks](https://blog.sscor.com/what-are-the-main-complications-of-tracheal-suctioning). Some simple precautionary measures can both reduce risk and improve patient outcomes.   ### **Conduct a Risk Assessment** Some patients face a higher risk of suctioning-related morbidity. They include:   - Patients with a recent head or neck injury  - Geriatric and pediatric patients, [who have fragile airways](https://blog.sscor.com/three-complexities-of-suctioning-the-geriatric-patient)  - Those with cognitive or mental health conditions that make it more difficult for them to understand the procedure and cooperate  - Patients with loose dental hardware  - Those with [a difficult airway](https://blog.sscor.com/5-techniques-for-treating-a-difficult-airway) or a history of suctioning complications  - Patients with bradycardia  - Patients with hypoxia While there’s [no single condition](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448077/) that is an absolute contraindication for suctioning, it’s important that nurses avoid routinely suctioning without first assessing risk.   [![New: Free Emergency Aspirator Purchasing Guide for Hospitals](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/8b3f08ff-a209-4f08-b702-68de84bac45b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/8b3f08ff-a209-4f08-b702-68de84bac45b)   ### **Prepare the Patient ** Suctioning can be scary and uncomfortable. Prepare the patient by telling them what you need to do and why – even if they seem uncooperative. When working with a child or a person with cognitive disabilities, explain things in terms they can understand, and be warm and reassuring. Ask their caregiver to remain present and avoid using force or restraints unless absolutely necessary.   During the procedure, reassure the patient that they are safe. If there are unusual sounds that could be frightening or complications that require additional treatment, continue to reassure the patient and talk them through what you are doing. Even if the patient is very young, very old, or very confused, talking to them can be reassuring and is a sign of respect. Do not talk about the patient as if they are not there or cannot hear you.   ### **Do Not Suction Too Long ** Prolonged suctioning increases the risk of hypoxia and other complications. Never suction a patient for longer than 15 seconds. Rather than prolonged suctioning, withdraw the catheter, re-oxygenate the patient, and suction again. ### **Avoid Forcing the Catheter ** A difficult airway can be stressful and upsetting, particularly if the patient requires emergency suctioning. Yet forcing the catheter can cause serious airway trauma. Never force the catheter, and do not attempt to insert it into an airway you cannot see.    ### **Monitor for Complications ** During and after suctioning, monitor the patient for common complications such as bradycardia and hypoxia. Take their vital signs before and after the procedure and be mindful of any complaints the patient reports. Light-headedness, difficulty breathing, a racing heart, raspy breathing sounds, and similar symptoms may signal suction-related complications.    [![New: Ultimate Guide To Purchasing A Portable Emergency Suction Device](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678)   ### **Choose the Right Equipment ** Without the right equipment, even a flawless suctioning technique may prove inadequate. The [right catheter size is key](http://www.rtmagazine.com/2010/07/10-considerations-for-endotracheal-suctioning/). In most cases, the suction catheter should have an external diameter that is less than half the internal diameter of the endotracheal tube. Geriatric and pediatric populations often require smaller suction catheters. Children have smaller airways, and elders may have more difficult airways due to loss of muscle tone.   You must also choose the [right catheter for the job](https://blog.sscor.com/which-suction-catheter-tip-do-you-need). For patients who are continuously vomiting or bleeding during resuscitation, the SSCOR SDC Catheter™ (Formerly the SSCOR DuCanto Catheter®) enables rapid airway [decontamination via the SALAD technique](https://www.sscor.com/suction-assisted-laryngoscopy-and-airway-decontamination-salad.html).   A portable emergency suction machine offers more than just emergency care. It enables nurses to care for patients wherever and whenever they need treatment, including while being transported to surgical wings.   A portable machine also ensures you can meet your obligations [under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)](https://www.acep.org/life-as-a-physician/ethics--legal/emtala/emtala-fact-sheet/) to provide treatment to patients within a 250-yard radius of the hospital. For help choosing the right suction machine for your patients, download our free guide, [*The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Portable Emergency Suction Device*](https://info.sscor.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-purchasing-a-portable-emergency-suction-device).   *Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in April 2022. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.* Topics: [Medical Suction](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/medical-suction) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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