Oropharyngeal suctioning is a procedure used to remove secretions from the oral cavity and pharynx. Secretions can block the trachea and obstruct the normal airflow, which can lead to an insufficient oxygen supply. Normally, clients cough to remove these secretions, but some individuals are too weak or cannot cough, so these clients require suctioning to clear the airway.

INDICATIONS FOR OROPHARYNGEAL SUCTIONING

Common signs and symptoms that suggest that a client may require suctioning include:

difficulty coughing up secretions and swallowing
decreased consciousness
visible secretions that obstruct the airflow
vomitus in the mouth
noisy breath sounds

This procedure is also used in individuals who have had oral surgeries; mouth trauma; or cerebrovascular injuries, like a stroke that results in drooling and impaired swallowing.

Finally, oropharyngeal suctioning is used to provide oral hygiene and prevent infection in individuals that have impaired swallowing or artificial airway.

YANKAUER SUCTION DEVICE

The suction catheter used for oropharyngeal suctioning is a rigid, bent, and plastic catheter called the Yankauer suction catheter, or Yankauer tip. A Yankauer suction catheter is transparent, which lets you see the secretions and fluids being suctioned out. The standard type of Yankauer catheter has a bulb tip with one large and several smaller openings. The bulb tip prevents trauma to the oral cavity, while smaller openings provide suctioning even if the large opening is blocked.

Figure 1: Yankauer suction catheter.

SUPPLIES

The supplies you will need for the procedure include:

clean gloves
mask and goggles, or face shield
bath towels, cloth, or disposable paper drape
disposable cup or washbasin
tap water or normal saline
the suction device and connecting tubing
an oral airway and washcloth (if indicated)

PROCEDURE

The client should be in a semi-Fowler or sitting position with a bath towel, cloth, or paper draped over their chest.
Perform hand hygiene and apply clean gloves.
Use a face shield or mask and goggles because suctioning can cause splashing.
Fill the cup or washbasin with water or normal saline.
Insert the catheter and run it along the gum line to the pharynx where the secretions are suctioned out.
Rinse the catheter by placing it in the cup or wash basin because this prevents the catheter and connecting tubing from becoming clogged with secretions.
Once done, remove the bath towel, cloth, or disposable drape; reposition your client; and clean up supplies.
Remove the gloves, face shield, or mask.
Perform hand hygiene.

Figure 2: Procedure for using the Yankauer suction catheter. A. Running the catheter along the gum line and B. rinsing it.

DOCUMENTATION

Document:

the date and time of the procedure
your observations

Author: Filip Vasiljević

Editor: Lisa Miklush PhD, RN, CNS

Editor: Jannah Amiel, MS, BSN, RN

Editor: Jodi Berndt, PhD, RN, CCRN-K, PCCN-K, CNE, CHSE

Editor: Gabrielle Proper, RN, BScN, MN

Illustrator: Ursula Florjanczyk, MScBMC

Illustrator: Zachary Kevorkian, MSMI

Oropharyngeal suctioning: Clinical skills notes

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