PROCEDURE CHECKLIST
Skill: Performing Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Suctioning
Check: Yes or No
PROCEDURE STEPS Yes No COMMENTS
1. Positions the patient:
a. For oropharyngeal suctioning: Semi-Fowler’s
position with his head turned toward the nurse.
b. Nasopharyngeal suctioning: Semi-Fowler’s position
with his head hyperextended (unless contraindicated).
2. Places the linen-saver pad or towel on the patient’s
chest.
3. Puts on a face shield or goggles.
4. Turns on the wall suction or portable suction machine
and adjusts the pressure regulator according to policy
(usually 100 to 120 mm Hg for adults, 95 to 110 mm Hg
for children, and 50 to 95 mm Hg for infants).
5. Tests the suction equipment by occluding the
connection tubing.
6. Opens the suction catheter kit or the gathered
equipment if a kit is not available If using the nasal
approach, opens the water-soluble lubricant.
7. Dons sterile gloves; keeps the dominant hand sterile;
considers nondominant hand nonsterile.
8. Pours sterile saline into the sterile container, using the
nondominant hand.
9. Picks up the suction catheter with the dominant hand
and attaches it to the connection tubing (to suction).
10. Puts the tip of the suction catheter into the sterile
container of normal saline solution and suctions a small
amount of normal saline solution through the suction
catheter. Applies suction by placing a finger over the
suction control port.
11. Approximates the depth to which to insert the suction
catheter:
a. Oropharyngeal suctioning: Measures the
distance between the edge of the patient’s mouth and
the tip of the patient’s ear lobe.
b. Nasopharyngeal suctioning: Measures the
distance between the tip of the patient’s nose and
the tip of the patient’s ear lobe.
Copyright © 2007, F. A. Davis Company, Wilkinson & Van Leuven/Procedure Checklists for Fundamentals of Nursing
Adapted By: Racquel Burton-Edwards 2016
12. Using the nondominant hand, removes the oxygen
delivery device, if present. Has the patient take several
slow deep breaths. If the patient’s oxygen saturation is <
13. Lubricates and inserts the suction catheter:
a. Oropharyngeal suctioning
1) Lubricates the catheter tip with normal saline.
2) Using the dominant hand, gently but quickly
inserts the suction catheter along the side of the
patient’s mouth into the oropharynx.
3) Advances the suction catheter quickly to the
premeasured distance (usually 7 to 10 cm in the
adult), being careful not to force the catheter.
b. Nasopharyngeal suctioning
1) Lubricates the catheter tip with the
watersoluble lubricant.
2) Using the dominant hand, gently but quickly
inserts the suction catheter into the naris.
3) Advances the suction catheter quickly to the
premeasured distance (13 to 15 cm in the adult),
being careful not to force the catheter.
4) If resistance is met, tries using the other naris.
14. Places a finger (thumb) over the suction control port
of the suction catheter and starts suctioning the patient.
Applies suction while withdrawing the catheter in a
continuous rotating motion.
15. Limits suctioning to 5 to 10 seconds.
16. After the catheter is withdrawn, clears it by placing
the tip of the catheter into the container of sterile saline
and applying suction.
17. Lubricates the catheter and repeats suctioning as
needed, allowing at least 20-second intervals between
suctioning. For nasopharyngeal suctioning, alternates
nares each time suction is repeated.
18. Coils the suction catheter in the dominant hand. Pulls
the sterile glove off over the coiled catheter.
(Alternatively, wraps the catheter around the dominant
gloved hand and holds the catheter while removing the
glove over it.)
Recommendation: Pass ______ Needs more practice ______
Student: Date:
Instructor: Date:
Copyright © 2007, F. A. Davis Company, Wilkinson & Van Leuven/Procedure Checklists for Fundamentals of Nursing
Adapted By: Racquel Burton-Edwards 2016
