--- title: 3 Complexities of Suctioning the Geriatric Patient description: There are special considerations when suctioning geriatric patients. In this article, we discuss three complexities of treating elderly patients and how these complexities relate to suction. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-168691043-min.png --- [![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   # [3 Complexities of Suctioning the Geriatric Patient](https://blog.sscor.com/3-complexities-of-suctioning-the-geriatric-patient) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Mar 26, 2018 4:30:00 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/3-complexities-of-suctioning-the-geriatric-patient#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/3-complexities-of-suctioning-the-geriatric-patient#) 0 ![Three Complexities of Suctioning the Geriatric Patient](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-168691043-min.png?width=700&name=rsz_gettyimages-168691043-min.png "Three Complexities of Suctioning the Geriatric Patient") Thanks to modern medicine and advances in genomics, cancer treatment, and longevity research, the aging population across the United States continues to grow. As it grows, the frequency of EMS providers responding to geriatric patients will only increase.   Elderly patients already make up a large proportion of EMS providers’ call load, especially in certain regions of the country (Florida, Arizona), and many of these patients have preexisting conditions, such as emphysema, COPD, or pulmonary edema. This raises the chance that they may need suctioning.    There are special considerations when [suctioning geriatric patients](https://blog.sscor.com/three-complexities-of-suctioning-the-geriatric-patient). Here, we will discuss three complexities of treating elderly patients and how these complexities relate to suction. They include:   1. Recognizing the anatomical and physiological changes that take place as the body ages. 2. Special considerations when [performing a patient assessment](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-assessment-and-the-elderly-patient). 3. Precautions when suctioning elderly patients.   [![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)   ## **The Aging Body** The body [changes dramatically over time](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art-20046070). As we move from adolescence to adulthood, we realize the differences more. And as adulthood gives way to middle age and beyond, the changes can be stark.   It is important to anticipate these changes when approaching an elderly patient: - **Body temperature regulation:** The elderly may have trouble maintaining body temperature or recognizing when they are running a fever. - **Diminished sensory organs:** Patients may have hearing deficits, so speak loudly and clearly and assist those with visual impairments. - **Loss of mobility:** Weakening muscles and bones can limit mobility in the elderly, so provide support when needed. - **Dementia and senility:** Elderly patients may have diminished faculties, so include family and caregivers when obtaining a medical history. Some physical changes in the elderly require special consideration when developing your treatment plan. These include: - **Loss of flexibility in the neck/spine**: Be sure to pad when providing spinal immobilization. - **Rigidity of the chest**: This may hamper auscultation of the chest and air movement. - **Dental hardware** (dentures, bridges, and false teeth): These can produce obstructions and affect mask seal when ventilating. - **Inability to effectively swallow**: Be alert for the need to suction.   ## **Assessing the Elderly Patient** Performing a [patient assessment](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-anatomy-for-oropharyngeal-suctioning-a-brief-review) may take more time and patience with the elderly. If their condition warrants it, allow more time for your assessment and keep in mind that you may have some hurdles to overcome. These hurdles may include: - **Determining level of consciousness**: Confusion may be the norm due to dementia or stroke, so question caregivers and family members about the elderly individual’s normal mental activity. - **Cardiovascular assessment**: This can be affected by medications (beta blockers or antihypertensives). Obtain a list of the patient’s medications whenever possible. - I**s there a pacemaker**? The patient may have a pacemaker. - **Volume replacement** may be complicated by the patient’s medications, especially in cases of suspected shock. - **Delayed capillary refill **is common. - **Body temperature** may be slow to adjust, especially in serious conditions. Be alert for signs of distress. The [signs of respiratory distress](https://blog.sscor.com/how-to-distinguish-respiratory-distress-from-failure) include: - General appearance - Vital signs - Respiratory rate - Pulse - Oxygen saturation - Capnography - Level of consciousness - Obvious signs of distress - Positioning - Anxiety - Tachycardia - Tachypnea - Skin color and moisture - Diaphoretic - Pale or cyanotic - Signs of imminent respiratory arrest - Decreasing level of consciousness - Patient tiring/exhaustion - Cyanosis   Recognizing the [signs of hypoxia](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-emergencies-the-importance-of-suctioning-tenuous-airways) is critical. It may be more complicated in the elderly, especially for those with diminished levels of consciousness due to dementia or a previous stroke. Signs of hypoxia could indicate the need for suctioning, so be sure to watch for: - Increased work of breathing - Restlessness/agitation - Confusion that isn’t normal for the patient - [Decreased LOC ](https://blog.sscor.com/three-neurological-emergencies-requiring-suction)(when not the norm) - Inadequate breath sounds - Abnormal breath sounds (gurgling, wheezing, stridor) - Coma - Seizures   Aspiration is always a possibility in the elderly, especially when associated with:   - Swallowing disorders - Impaired mental status - History of seizures or stroke - Frequent vomiting   [![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)   ## **Suction Considerations in Geriatric Patients** Once you have assessed your patient and determined that their condition requires immediate suctioning, there are several precautions to keep in mind with elderly patients. These include:   - Dental hardware, which can come loose and cause an obstruction - Suctioning with precision to avoid damaging fragile oral/nasal tissues - Having the appropriate catheters on hand (small tip) for navigating smaller mouths - Dialing back [suction pressure](https://www.sscor.com/S-SCORT_VX2_Option_portable_ems_suction.html) to avoid traumatizing tissues - Padding the patient when placed in the supine position for suctioning - Rigid torsos may make for difficult angles, so have a [hyper-curved catheter](https://www.sscor.com/ducanto_catheter.html) on hand   Assessing and treating geriatric patients requires special considerations. A thoughtful, considerate approach will enhance your assessment, tailor your treatment, and produce better results, especially during suctioning, so be sure to keep these three complexities in mind when suctioning geriatric patients.   *Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in March, 2018. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.*   [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/9612b368-68bd-40fd-8df2-b49e908313ab.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/9612b368-68bd-40fd-8df2-b49e908313ab) Topics: [Emergency medical suction](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/emergency-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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