Closed Suction Catheter Neonates And Pediatrics For 24 Hours

A strong cough is the BEST suction

• Moving, sitting up or even changing positions will assist a cough
• While a cough is the best suction, a suction machine will help clear the secretions that accumulate in the tracheostomy tube
• Additional supplies include suction catheters and saline (The suction catheter used should be the largest size that easily fits into the tracheostomy tube)

Humidification and adequate fluids help maintain thinner secretions that are easily coughed and cleared from the tracheostomy tube or removed with suction

Signs that tracheal suction is needed

• Visible mucus that cannot be cleared from tracheostomy tube with a cough
• If you can hear or see secretions
• Pulse oximeter desaturations, difficulty breathing or pale/blue color around mouth or fingernails
• Whistling noise from tracheostomy tube
  (This noise may mean the tracheostomy tube is coated with thick secretions)
• Difficulty breathing, gasping or grunting in infants
• If the child vomits
• If you think the tracheostomy tube is blocked or partially blocked

Closed Suction Catheter Neonates And Pediatrics For 24 Hours

Closed Suction Catheter Neonates And Pediatrics For 24 Hours