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Lesson 30. Suction

1-30. SUCTION

Suction drainage by means of a mechanical drainage apparatus may be ordered by the physician. These suction devices are designed to provide controlled, low-pressure suction to avoid injury to mucous membranes. Two commonly used electric powered pumps are the Gomco and Emerson pumps. Be certain to read the manufacturer's instructions and local SOP before attempting to use this equipment. In hospital areas such as a recovery room or intensive care area, a special suction device may be available for use with a wall suction outlet.

1-31. SUCTION PROCEDURE

a. Test the suction equipment by aspirating water through the drainage tubing. Clamp the tubing.

b. Connect the nasogastric tube to the drainage tubing.

c. Unclamp both the drainage tubing and the N/G tube. Observe for drainage in the tubing.

d. Support the drainage tubing by anchoring it to the bottom bed sheet.

(1) Use a rubber band or cloth tape looped around the tubing and pin the rubber band or tape it to the sheet.

(2) Allow sufficient length of tubing to prevent pull on the tube when the patient moves or turns.

e. Document the procedure in the nursing notes.

f. Check the operation of the suction equipment frequently. Observe the following:

(1) Machine operation.

(2) Connections should be properly fitted and airtight.

(3) Tubing should not be kinked.

(4) Drainage in the tubing.

(5) Drainage in the collection bottle.

g. If no drainage is observed to be moving through the tube, and all equipment is operational, the tube may be obstructed. Failure to drain may be due to mucous clogging the tube or due to the end of the tube adhering to the wall of the stomach. If this is the case, attempt to clear the obstruction by one of the following nursing measures.

(1) Change the patient's position by turning him or by raising or lowering the head of the bed.

(2) Reposition the nasogastric tube. Loosen the tape and withdraw the tube about an inch.

(3) If neither. of the above methods are successful notify the professional nurse The physician may order irrigation of the tube to clear the obstruction.

1-32. DISCONTINUE SUCTION

To discontinue suction, complete the following steps.

a. Clamp off the nasogastric tube.

b. Turn off the suction apparatus.

c. Protect the open end of the nasogastric tube by covering loosely with a gauze dressing.

d. Take the suction equipment to the utility room.

e. Measure the drainage. Record on I&O worksheet.

f. Dispose of used equipment per local ward SOP.

g. Record the procedure in the nurse’s notes. Note the color, character, and amount of drainage.

h. Do not remove a nasogastric tube unless specifically ordered.

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