Because of tracheal irritation, patients who require
frequent suctioning may experience bloody or bloodtinged
secretions.23Many clinicians tend to suction less
often in response to bloody secretions; however, less frequent
suctioning could lead to accumulation of thicker
secretions, making mucous plugs a concern. A better
choice is to switch to red rubber suction catheters. The
soft blunt tip of a rubber catheter does not irritate the
tracheal wall, and tracheal healing is more rapid than with
a regular suction catheter. Red rubber catheters cannot,
however, be used in patients with a latex allergy because
latex is a product of rubber