uctioning/Oral/Pharyngeal Policy 

Standard 

To maintain a patent airway and allow the resident to breathe comfortably. 

Policy 

Suctioning is performed by a licensed nurse. A physician order will be obtained. In an emergent situation, suctioning will be performed per nursing judgment. 

Procedure 

Preparation: 

10. Assemble all necessary equipment. 

11. Ensure the suction machine with connecting tubing is operating properly before use. 

12. If oral suctioning is needed, obtain a Yankauer suction tip. 

13. If pharyngeal suctioning is needed, use a sterile suction catheter. 

Suctioning Process: 

14. Oral Suctioning: 

• Insert the Yankauer suction tip into the resident’s mouth. 

• Gently suction while moving the tip around the mouth to clear secretions. 

15. Pharyngeal Suctioning: 

• Insert the sterile suction catheter into the pharyngeal area. 

• Gently rotate the catheter while covering and uncovering the thumb control to provide suction. 

• Repeat the process only up to three times to prevent oxygen deprivation and desaturation in the resident. 

16. Monitoring: 

• If the resident experiences a bronchospasm or laryngospasm, cease suctioning immediately and remove the catheter. 

17. Post-Suctioning: 

• Flush the suction catheter with water as necessary to clear the tubing. 

• Dispose of suction catheters, suction kits, and gloves after the procedure. 

• Dispose of suction canisters and connecting tubing when indicated and replace them with new ones. 

• Set up the suction equipment for the next use. 

Documentation: 

• Document in the nurse’s notes, including: 

• Amount, color, and consistency of materials suctioned. 

• Frequency of suctioning. 

• Resident’s response. 

• Physician/responsible party notification for change of condition. 

References 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Requirements of Participation for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• State Operations Manual (SOM), CMS.