Oral suctioning is done to clear secretions (mucus) from the mouth if a child is unable to clear it on their own through coughing or blowing their nose. A hard-plastic tip with a handle called a Yankauer is usually used to suction secretions in the mouth.
- Gather your equipment and supplies.
- If your child uses an oximeter, make sure it is on and providing an accurate reading.
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Have oxygen available, if prescribed by your child’s health-care team.
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Make sure the suction machine is at the correct setting.
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Fill a clean container with sterile water or saline.
- Make sure your child is in a comfortable position (lying or sitting).
- Attach the suction tubing to a clean catheter or Yankauer. Keep the catheter or Yankauer in clean casing until just before use.
- Insert the catheter or Yankauer into the mouth to remove any mucus your child has coughed up. If there is a suction control port, place your thumb over the port and slowly remove the Yankauer or the catheter. Only hold down the suction control port for up to 10 seconds at a time. Make sure to keep the Yankauer or catheter away from the inside of the cheek or tongue.
- Rinse the Yankauer by dipping the adaptor into sterile water or saline and suctioning. Discard the catheter. Replace cover on Yankauer.
- Assess and tend to your child’s respiratory status and oxygen needs.
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Turn off the suction unit.
- Empty and clean the suction drainage bottles and containers, if needed.
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Wash hands well.
- Prepare the suction equipment and supplies for the next use.
Suction catheter size: | |
Depth of suction catheter insertion for suctioning: | |
Suction machine pressure setting (mmHg): |