Oral Suctioning

Oral Suctioning: Removal of excess secretions from the client’s mouth using a mechanical aspiration device to maintain oral hygiene and comfort.

Other Types of Suctioning

  • Nasal suction (suctioning the nose)
  • Oral suction (suctioning the mouth)
  • Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suction (suctioning the throat)
  • Deep suctioning

CSS Considerations

  • Circle of Care can delegate a PSW to support with oral suctioning only if the client meets the criteria outlined below:
    • The client is able to communicate, verbally and non-verbally.
    • The client has the cognitive level and ability to self-direct their care.

PSW Considerations

  • If the client bites down on the yankauer while suctioning, do not pull it to remove. Instead, wait for the client to open their mouth.
  • Understand the signs of the potential presence of an infection:
    • Have the secretions altered (i.e. changed colour, consistency and odour)?
    • Is the patient having difficulty breathing or clearing secretions?

Required Supplies

  • Soap and water
  • Gloves
  • Oral suction machine (all the parts of the equipment, including the suction tip)
  • Collection jar

Procedure for Oral Suctioning

Preparing the Client and the Suction Machine

  1. Wash hands and set up the equipment before beginning.
  2. Place the machine on a sturdy surface and plug it into a grounded outlet.
  3. Check that the machine and all other parts of the equipment are clean and intact.
    • Check that the tubing from the machine to the collection jar is on tightly.
    • Make sure that the lid to the collection jar is closed tightly.
  4. Ensure the client is seated or lying comfortably.
  5. Wash hands again and put on gloves.

Performing Oral Suctioning

  1. Attach the extension tubing to the collection jar.
  2. Attach the yankauer suction tip (a small tube that removes sputum or saliva) to the suction tubing.
  3. Switch on the machine. Check for negative pressure by kinking the connecting tubing and checking that the pressure gauge changes when this occurs.
  4. Turn the operating knob or use the control dial to set the pressure as directed for that client.
  5. Gently insert the yankauer suction tip into the client’s mouth until it reaches the pouch of the cheek.
  6. Place your thumb over the vent in order to suck the secretions.
  7. Gently sweep over the arch of the tongue to the pouch of the opposite cheek. Only apply suction through the yankauer for no longer than 10 seconds.
  8. Repeat again if necessary.
  9. Flush through the tubing with water after use.
  10. Turn off the machine. Remove gloves and wash hands following oral suctioning.

Cleaning the Suction Machine

  1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap. Put on gloves.
  2. Remove the tubing from the collection jar. Disconnect the collection jar from the suction machine, and remove the lid from the collection jar.
  3. Wash the collection jar and lid with soap and warm water.
  4. Clean the tubing and yankaeur suction tip with soap and warm water as needed.
  5. The yankaeur suction tip should be cleaned daily and kept covered when not in use. It should be changed weekly or depending on the frequency of use. The tubing should be changed when discoloured.
  6. Put the equipment back into the suction machine to let them air dry.
  7. Remove gloves and wash hands after cleaning the suction machine.

Video Resource

Please click on the video links below for a visual demonstration of the procedure:

References