Respiratory: Oropharyngeal suctioning

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.

Generally, the nursing assistants should alert the nurse if they think a client requires suctioning. They can assist the licensed nurse in oropharyngeal suctioning by gathering the required supplies.

Now, 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, and 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.

Now, 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. Switching gears and moving on to the supplies you need to gather for the procedure.

This includes clean gloves; mask and goggles, or face shield; bath towels, cloth, or disposable paper drape; disposable cup or washbasin; and tap water or normal saline.