How to perform oral suctioning

Oral suctioning is done to clear secretions (mucus) from the mouth if a child is unable to clear it on their own through coughing or blowing their nose. A hard-plastic tip with a handle called a Yankauer is usually used to suction secretions in the mouth.

1. Gather your equipment and supplies.
2. If your child uses an oximeter, make sure it is on and providing an accurate reading.

3. 

   Have oxygen available, if prescribed by your child’s health-care team.

4. 

   Make sure the suction machine is at the correct setting.

5. 

   Wash your hands well.

6. 

   Fill a clean container with sterile water or saline.

7. Make sure your child is in a comfortable position (lying or sitting).
8. Attach the suction tubing to a clean catheter or Yankauer. Keep the catheter or Yankauer in clean casing until just before use.
9. Insert the catheter or Yankauer into the mouth to remove any mucus your child has coughed up. If there is a suction control port, place your thumb over the port and slowly remove the Yankauer or the catheter. Only hold down the suction control port for up to 10 seconds at a time. Make sure to keep the Yankauer or catheter away from the inside of the cheek or tongue.
10. Rinse the Yankauer by dipping the adaptor into sterile water or saline and suctioning. Discard the catheter. Replace cover on Yankauer.
11. Assess and tend to your child’s respiratory status and oxygen needs.

12. 

    Turn off the suction unit.

13. Empty and clean the suction drainage bottles and containers, if needed.

14. 

    Wash hands well.

15. Prepare the suction equipment and supplies for the next use.