It is the removal by aspiration of secretions retained in the mouth, larynx, trachea and/or bronchi through the mouth or nose, or by tracheotomy, with the aim of maintaining patent airways, facilitating gas exchange and promoting the comfort of the affected person.
Nursing Considerations:
-The need for aspiration can be assessed by observing the characteristics of the person’s breathing and cough, or by auscultation of the chest.
-For a better assessment of the respiratory situation, it is advisable to consult arterial blood gases.
-Before and after aspiration, respiratory sounds and vital signs should be assessed.
-If the person is conscious, the procedure to be carried out must be explained to them before starting the practice.
-Vacuumize only when necessary, and not routinely. There is a high risk of trauma from frequent aspiration.
-In the hospital environment, tracheobronchial aspiration should always be performed using sterile technique.
-During the process, the probe must be rinsed with double-distilled water.
-The aspirator must maintain a negative pressure of 80 to 120 mm Hg when the suction nozzle is closed.
-You should never aspirate while inserting the probe.
-Aspiration should not exceed 8-10 seconds, and should be carried out while removing the probe, while making a slight rotation movement.
-Between inserting the probe, allow the person to take 4 or 5 breaths, or administer 4 or 5 ambu compressions.
Pediatric Nursing Considerations:
-In infants and small children, aspiration should not exceed 5 seconds.
-For aspiration of neonates, if the secretions are not very thick, the appropriate probe is the size 6 French. An 8 to 10 French catheter may be used in older children. The airway should never be completely occluded with the probe. In children, the vacuum should not exceed 100 mm Hg.
-When suctioning through a tracheostomy, the tube should not be larger than one third of the diameter of the lumen of the tracheostomy tube. Sufficient space must be left around the probe for air passage.
-In children, the earliest signs of respiratory distress are tachycardia and restlessness.