Normal suction pressure time, when referring to endotracheal tube (ETT) suctioning, should not exceed 6 seconds while the suction catheter is being withdrawn.
Understanding Suction Pressure Time
It's crucial to understand why limiting suction time is important. Prolonged suctioning can lead to hypoxemia (low blood oxygen). The reference specifically states: "Duration of negative pressure should not exceed 6 seconds to prevent hypoxaemia."
Key Considerations for Suctioning Time
- Duration of Suction: The suction should be applied intermittently and only during withdrawal of the catheter.
- Hypoxemia Prevention: Limiting the suction time helps prevent a drop in the patient's oxygen levels.
- Negative Pressure Application: Negative pressure should ONLY be applied when withdrawing the suction catheter, not during insertion.
Best Practices for Suctioning
Here are a few general guidelines for performing suctioning effectively and safely (derived from standard medical practices, although not explicitly stated in the provided reference):
- Preoxygenate: Increase the patient's oxygen level before suctioning.
- Insert Without Suction: Advance the catheter gently without applying suction.
- Apply Suction Intermittently: Apply suction only during withdrawal using a twirling motion.
- Monitor Patient: Watch for signs of distress, such as changes in heart rate or oxygen saturation.
- Limit Passes: Avoid excessive suctioning passes.
