1

You are caring for a patient with a tracheostomy in situwho requires frequent suctioning. How long should you suction for?

  • If you preoxygenate the patient, you can insert the catheter for 45 seconds.

  • Never insert the catheter for longer than 10-15 seconds.

  • Monitor the patient’s oxygen saturations and suction for 30 seconds

  • Suction for 50 seconds and send a specimen to the laboratory if the secretions are purulent