Airway Suctioning

A coarse, wet airway sound, visible mucus in an artificial airway, increased work of breathing, or a saw-tooth ventilator waveform can signal that secretions are obstructing airflow. Suctioning removes those secretions, but the catheter briefly reduces ventilation and can trigger vagal or airway reflexes. It is therefore an assessment-driven intervention, not a routine response to the presence of an airway tube alone. Before proceeding, confirm that suctioning is indicated, that the equipment and oxygen source are ready, and that the intervention is authorized for your role and setting. In Ontario, an RPN may perform this restricted activity only under a client-specific order; in British Columbia, the equivalent LPN requirement is also a client-specific order. In either province, the nurse must also have the required competence and follow employer policy. The patient's response—not merely the amount of mucus removed—determines whether another pass is safe.