Which action is essential to maintain oxygenation during suctioning?

Which action is essential to maintain oxygenation during suctioning?

• A. Pre-oxygenate before suctioning and provide oxygen after suctioning.
• B. Delay oxygen until after suctioning.
• C. Use no oxygen during suctioning.
• D. Increase suction pressure.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining oxygenation during suctioning hinges on actively keeping oxygen in the airway while you clear secretions. The essential step is to pre-oxygenate with 100% oxygen before you begin suctioning and to continue delivering oxygen during the procedure (for example, with a bag-valve mask or other high-flow source). Keeping the suction passes brief (about 10–15 seconds) helps minimize the time the airway is without adequate oxygen. Waiting to oxygenate until after suctioning allows desaturation to occur during the procedure, using no oxygen during suctioning deprives the patient of needed oxygen, and simply increasing suction pressure does not improve oxygenation and can harm the airway.

Maintaining oxygenation during suctioning hinges on actively keeping oxygen in the airway while you clear secretions. The essential step is to pre-oxygenate with 100% oxygen before you begin suctioning and to continue delivering oxygen during the procedure (for example, with a bag-valve mask or other high-flow source). Keeping the suction passes brief (about 10–15 seconds) helps minimize the time the airway is without adequate oxygen. Waiting to oxygenate until after suctioning allows desaturation to occur during the procedure, using no oxygen during suctioning deprives the patient of needed oxygen, and simply increasing suction pressure does not improve oxygenation and can harm the airway.