What are potential complications associated with suctioning?
Table of Contents
What are potential complications associated with suctioning?
What Are the Most Common Complications of Suctioning?
- Hypoxia.
- Airway Trauma.
- Psychological Trauma.
- Pain.
- Bradycardia.
- Infection.
- Ineffective Suctioning.
What are the safety considerations in suctioning of the tracheostomy tube?
6 Precautions Nurses Should Take When Suctioning
- Conduct a Risk Assessment.
- Prepare the Patient.
- Do Not Suction Too Long.
- Avoid Forcing the Catheter.
- Monitor for Complications.
- Choose the Right Equipment.
Which is the most common complication in a patient with a tracheostomy?
Bleeding is the most common early complication of tracheostomy and the incidence of major or minor bleeding following tracheostomy is approximately 5.7% (13). Although major bleeding during tracheostomy is rare, minor bleeding can be life threatening if it results in airway obstruction.
When should you suction a tracheostomy?
Suction the trach 3 to 4 times a day, or more if needed. For example, two of the times could be before you go to bed and when you wake up in the morning. You will need suction catheters, a suction machine, and a mirror.
What is the primary indication for tracheal suctioning?
Tracheal suctioning is indicated with noisy respirations, decreased O2 sats, anxiousness, restlessness, increased respirations or work of breathing, change in skin colour, or wheezing or gurgling sounds. These are signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, and the patient should be suctioned immediately.
What is a major complication to a tracheostomy?
Early Complications that may arise during the tracheostomy procedure or soon thereafter include: Bleeding. Air trapped around the lungs (pneumothorax) Air trapped in the deeper layers of the chest(pneumomediastinum) Air trapped underneath the skin around the tracheostomy (subcutaneous emphysema)
Which precautions would the nurse take when suctioning a tracheostomy?
Always wear gloves when suctioning so that germs and infections are not transferred. Never suction for lengths of time longer than 5 or 10 seconds. Use saline solution in the trach to loosen secretions and make the suction process easier. Wash hands before and after suctioning a patient—even if gloves are worn.
What are nursing interventions for tracheostomy suctioning?
Encourage the client to clear airway by coughing, if possible. If cannot cough properly, encourage the client to suction their secretions. Advise the client or caregiver to use clean gloves in performing the procedure. The nurse should teach the caregiver on how to determine the need for suctioning.
When should a tracheostomy patient be suctioned?
Tracheostomy suctioning removes thick mucus and secretions from the trachea and lower airway that you are not able to clear by coughing. Suctioning is done when you wake up in the morning and right before you go to bed in the evening. Suctioning is also done after any respiratory treatments.
What are the indications for suctioning?
Indications for suctioning include:
- Audible or visual signs of secretions in the tube.
- Signs of respiratory distress.
- Suspicion of a blocked or partially blocked tube.
- Inability by the child to clear the tube by coughing out the secretions.
- Vomiting.
- Desaturation on pulse oximetry.
What is the most serious complication with suctioning?
Bradycardia. A slow heart rate, known as bradycardia, is one of the most common suctioning complications, likely because suctioning stimulates the vagus nerve. This increases the risk of fainting and loss of consciousness. In patients in cardiac distress, it can elevate the risk of severe cardiovascular complications.
How will you prevent of tracheostomy complications?
Prevent tracheostomy infection
- Wash your hands. Always wash your hands before and after any tracheostomy tube care.
- Clean tracheostomy equipment.
- Keep your neck clean and dry.
- Keep your mouth clean.
- Clean your home equipment.
- Keep hands clean.
- Skin should not have.
- Supplies you will need.
What should you assess before suctioning tracheostomy?
Assessment
- Respiratory status (ease of breathing, rate, rhythm, depth, lung sounds, and oxygen saturation level)
- Pulse rate.
- Secretions from the tracheostomy site (character and amount)
- Presence of drainage on tracheostomy dressing or ties.
- Appearance of incision (redness, swelling, purulent discharge, or odor)
