Assessment
Assess the need for suction:
Increased work of breathing (Rationale 2 and 3):
increased respiratory rate
alteration in respiratory pattern
recession
nasal flaring
chin tug
grunting (non-intubated patients)
altered level of consciousness
Alteration in gas exchange:
decrease in the SaO2 (oxygen saturation)
pale and/or mottled appearance
cyanosis
decreased PaO2 (oxygen levels in arterial blood) and/or increased PaCO2 (carbon dioxide levels in arterial blood) on the blood gas
Evidence of secretions either audibly or on auscultation and/or palpation.
Examination of the chest x-ray (CXR).
Alteration of ventilator parameters.
Inability to effectively clear secretions independently
It is also important that other causes of respiratory distress and possibly an alteration in blood gases that do not require suction are considered; for example a pneumothorax, fluid overload or a misplaced artificial airway (Rationale 4).