ALERT: When do I check the pressure on a suction machine?

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Connected Care Quick Hits are up to date and evidence based recommendations for the care of children with medical complexity & technology dependence, from hospital to home.

This Week's Practice Alert!

SITUATION:

This Quick hit alert was identified by a family caregiver in the home setting. It was identified that the pressure gauge of the suction machine (portable or standing) should be checked every time a child is suctioned. Dials and settings on suction machines (older and newer types) can change or “slip” between uses resulting in inadequate suction power.

RECOMMENDATION:

Be sure to check the suction pressure at the start of your shift as part of your initial safety check, as well as every time you use the suction machine on a shift. Optimal suction pressure for children/youth requiring any kind of airway suctioning (tracheal, oral or nasopharyngeal) is usually between 80-120mmHg. Be sure to ask what the machine should be set at for the child you are caring for and what helps to keep the child comfortable during the procedure.

Related Quick Hits
HINT: How do I perform inline suctioning using a closed system?
HINT: How do I perform inline suctioning using a closed system?

HINT: How do I perform inline suctioning using a closed system?

HINT: What is the correct catheter size when suctioning a tracheostomy?
HINT: What is the correct catheter size when suctioning a tracheostomy?

HINT: What is the correct catheter size when suctioning a tracheostomy?

HINT: How do I clean and maintain a suction machine
HINT: How do I clean and maintain a suction machine

The onset of the 'viral season' is a good time to promote the routine and ‘as needed’ maintenance of all home care equipment, including suction and other respiratory equipment that may be contaminated/infected. A suction machine is a device used to help clear the airway of mucus which is especially important to keep clean as the close proximity of dirt and bacteria to a child's airway may increase the risk of a child becoming sick.

HINT: Can normal saline be used to help with suctioning?
HINT: Can normal saline be used to help with suctioning?

This QuickHiT! came from a consult initiated by a home care nurse who texted Connected Care Live! for clarification about the use of normal saline drops via tracheostomy. In this situation, the child's family had previously learned to routinely instill saline prior to suctioning but this practice differed from the nurse's employer's policy.


ALERT: When do I check the pressure on a suction machine?
ALERT: When do I check the pressure on a suction machine?

This Quick hit alert was identified by a family caregiver in the home setting. It was identified that the pressure gauge of the suction machine (portable or standing) should be checked every time a child is suctioned. Dials and settings on suction machines (older and newer types) can change or “slip” between uses resulting in inadequate suction power.

Airway Clearance, AllTomasz Czarny