Suctioning Techniques Overview

Suctioning is a procedure done in order to assist in the removal of bronchial secretions that cannot be expectorated by the patient spontaneously. It is a shared procedure between the Respiratory Care and the Nursing service and may be done on a PRN basis.

Usually it is indicated if there are secretions visibly present in tube orifice, there are coarse tubular breath sounds on auscultation in a patient who is unable to cough or without artificial airway in place, and for patients with an artificial airway.