How long should oral suctioning be performed at a time?

How long should oral suctioning be performed at a time?

• A. No more than 10 seconds
• B. No more than 15 seconds
• C. No more than 30 seconds
• D. No more than 45 seconds

Answer: (B)

Oral suctioning should be performed for no more than 15 seconds at a time to avoid complications such as hypoxia or trauma to the oral and respiratory mucosa. This time limit is based on ensuring the patient's airway is kept clear while simultaneously allowing them to maintain adequate oxygen levels. During suctioning, the patient may experience discomfort and could be deprived of oxygen, especially if suctioning lasts longer than 15 seconds. Monitoring the patient’s response is crucial, and if suctioning needs to be performed again, it is generally recommended to allow the patient to rest and recover between attempts. Other time limits mentioned in the choices are longer than recommended. Performing suctioning for 30 or 45 seconds could significantly increase the risk of hypoxia, trauma, or other adverse effects, which makes adhering to the guideline of 15 seconds essential for ensuring patient safety and comfort during oral suctioning.

Oral suctioning should be performed for no more than 15 seconds at a time to avoid complications such as hypoxia or trauma to the oral and respiratory mucosa. This time limit is based on ensuring the patient's airway is kept clear while simultaneously allowing them to maintain adequate oxygen levels.

During suctioning, the patient may experience discomfort and could be deprived of oxygen, especially if suctioning lasts longer than 15 seconds. Monitoring the patient’s response is crucial, and if suctioning needs to be performed again, it is generally recommended to allow the patient to rest and recover between attempts.

Other time limits mentioned in the choices are longer than recommended. Performing suctioning for 30 or 45 seconds could significantly increase the risk of hypoxia, trauma, or other adverse effects, which makes adhering to the guideline of 15 seconds essential for ensuring patient safety and comfort during oral suctioning.