How long should oral suctioning be performed at a time?

When performing oral suctioning, the recommended duration is no more than 15 seconds at a time. This guideline is established to ensure that the procedure is effective while minimizing discomfort and the risk of complications such as hypoxia, which can occur if a patient is deprived of oxygen for too long during suctioning.

Maintaining suction time to a maximum of 15 seconds helps to ensure that the patient can breathe adequately between suction attempts. This timing is critical, especially in individuals who may already have compromised respiratory function. Allowing adequate time between suctioning sessions allows the patient to recover and can prevent potential adverse effects.

Following this guideline is essential for safe practice in medication administration and patient care, as it balances the need for effective airway clearance with patient safety.