Suctioning Techniques in Medical Procedures
How can you prevent clogging when suctioning the oral cavity of a vomiting patient?
What should you do if the soft catheter keeps getting clogged?
1) Switch to a rigid-tip catheter.
2) Turn up the negative vacuum amount on the suction unit.
3) Insert the catheter deeper into the airway.
4) Tell the patient to start swallowing the vomit to keep it out of the airway.
Answer:
Switch to a rigid-tip catheter when suctioning the oral cavity of a vomiting patient to prevent clogging.
When suctioning the oral cavity of a patient who is vomiting profusely, it is important to prevent clogging of the catheter to ensure effective suctioning. If the soft (French) catheter keeps getting clogged, the best course of action is to switch to a rigid-tip catheter.
A rigid-tip catheter is specifically designed for suctioning thicker or more viscous materials, such as vomit. It provides a stronger and more effective suctioning force, which reduces the likelihood of the catheter getting clogged during the procedure. By using a rigid-tip catheter, healthcare professionals can ensure that the suctioning process is efficient and successful in removing excess fluids from the oral cavity.