Suctioning
Hudson CPAP Suctioning

Reviewed by Charge Nurse Newborn

October 2007

Indications	Equipment Required	Suction Pressure	Suction Frequency
	Nursing Management	Other Related Documents

Indications

Increased secretions
Increased respiratory effort
Increased oxygen requirement
Increased respiratory distress
Increased apnoeas

Equipment Required

Suction catheter sizes 7, 8
Gloves

Suction Pressure

Pressure should be set at 100 - 150mmHg as appropriate for gestational age.

Frequency of Suctioning

First 6 hours - suction 2-4hrly
Following this suction a minimum of 6 hourly
NB: When Hudson CPAP is discontinued, suctioning will be required at least six hourly
OR more frequently if symptomatic for the first 24 hours then as required to maintain a clear airway.

Nursing Management

Follow the steps below to suction baby.

Step	Action
1	Ensure Laerdal bag/Neopuff is within reach if needed. Consider a two-person procedure for LBW or unstable infants.
2	Consider the need to Pre-oxygenate by Using cone O₂, OR Removing only one side of the CPAP prong at a time.
3	Suction mouth first, as this clears oropharynx and lubricates catheter.
4	Measure from nose to pinna then add half that distance to measurement already obtained. Ensure the catheter passes to the back of nasopharynx to clear secretions.
5	Baby should be suctioned at least twice down each nostril.
6	If unable to get down a nostril due to trauma, use finger port at nares and kink suction catheter.
7	Note on observation chart, colour, type, and amount of secretions and infant’s tolerance of the procedure.
Note:	Saline (NaCl 0.9%) instillation is only used if secretions are deemed to be thick and tenacious on individual assessment.

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