Care essential 3
Suction appropriately.
Patients receiving positive-pressure mechanical ventilation have a tracheostomy, endotracheal, or nasotracheal tube. Most initially have an endotracheal tube; if they stay on the ventilator for many days or weeks, a tracheotomy may be done. Tracheotomy decisions depend on
patient specifics. Controversy exists as to when a tracheotomy should be considered; generally, patients have tracheotomies before being managed on a med-surg unit. Although specific airway management guidelines exist, always check your facility’s policy and procedure manual. General suctioning recommendations include the following: