👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-08-23🏷️ Physiological Adaptation🔖 Free to read, print, and share
Also known as: airway suction · deep suction · endotracheal suction · clearing secretions
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Suctioning on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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📒 The 1-minute cheat sheet
✅ Do
Hyperoxygenate 100% before/after
Suction only while withdrawing
Intermittent, rotate catheter
📌 Limits
≤10-15 sec per pass
Pressure 100-150 mmHg adult
Catheter ≤½ airway diameter
🚩 Stop
↓SpO2, dysrhythmia, bradycardia
Stop, reoxygenate, rest pt
📌 Avoid
No suction on insertion → hypoxia
Don't oversuction → mucosa trauma
📚 Suctioning — full study notes
The cheat sheet above is your quick recall card. These notes go deeper — what it is, what to do first, what must be reported, and what to teach.
Suctioning removes secretions from the airway (oral, nasopharyngeal, tracheal, or via a trach/ET tube) to maintain a patent airway and oxygenation. It is done only when clinically indicated, not on a routine schedule, because it causes hypoxia and trauma. Key principle: hyperoxygenate first, suction only on withdrawal, and limit each pass to 10 to 15 seconds.
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Key points
Understand these first
Suction when assessment shows a need: audible/visible secretions, coarse crackles, decreased SpO2, restlessness.
Hyperoxygenate with 100% oxygen before and between suction passes to prevent hypoxia.
Apply suction only while withdrawing the catheter, using intermittent suction and a rotating motion.
Limit each suction pass to 10 to 15 seconds and allow recovery between passes.
Tracheal/ET suctioning is sterile; oropharyngeal (Yankauer) suctioning is clean.
Recommended suction pressures: roughly 100 to 120 mmHg for adults (lower for children).
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Nursing priorities
What to do, in order
Assess breath sounds, SpO2, and secretions to confirm suctioning is indicated.
Hyperoxygenate before and after suctioning.
Insert the catheter without suction; apply intermittent suction only on withdrawal.
Limit passes to 10 to 15 seconds and monitor for hypoxia, dysrhythmias, and bradycardia.
Document amount, color, and consistency of secretions and the client's tolerance.
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Red flags — report now
Escalate immediately
Bradycardia or dysrhythmias during suctioning (vagal stimulation/hypoxia): stop, oxygenate, and report.
Sustained drop in SpO2, cyanosis, or distress means stop and re-oxygenate before continuing.
Never apply suction while inserting the catheter and never exceed 10 to 15 seconds per pass.
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Labs & values
Numbers to know
Pulse oximetry (SpO2 95 to 100%)
ABGs if oxygenation is a concern (PaO2 80 to 100 mmHg)
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Patient teaching
What patients must know
Tell staff if you feel short of breath or your secretions become thick or bloody.
Deep breathing and coughing between suctioning helps clear the airway.
Staying hydrated keeps secretions thinner and easier to clear.
❓ Suctioning: NCLEX FAQs
What are the priority nursing interventions for Suctioning?
Assess breath sounds, SpO2, and secretions to confirm suctioning is indicated. Hyperoxygenate before and after suctioning. Insert the catheter without suction; apply intermittent suction only on withdrawal. Limit passes to 10 to 15 seconds and monitor for hypoxia, dysrhythmias, and bradycardia.
What are the warning signs of Suctioning a nurse must report?
Bradycardia or dysrhythmias during suctioning (vagal stimulation/hypoxia): stop, oxygenate, and report. Sustained drop in SpO2, cyanosis, or distress means stop and re-oxygenate before continuing. Never apply suction while inserting the catheter and never exceed 10 to 15 seconds per pass.
What do I need to know about Suctioning for the NCLEX?
Suction when assessment shows a need: audible/visible secretions, coarse crackles, decreased SpO2, restlessness. Hyperoxygenate with 100% oxygen before and between suction passes to prevent hypoxia. Apply suction only while withdrawing the catheter, using intermittent suction and a rotating motion. Limit each suction pass to 10 to 15 seconds and allow recovery between passes.
What patient teaching is important for Suctioning?
Tell staff if you feel short of breath or your secretions become thick or bloody. Deep breathing and coughing between suctioning helps clear the airway. Staying hydrated keeps secretions thinner and easier to clear.
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Quick Tip
Suction when assessment shows a need: audible/visible secretions, coarse crackles, decreased SpO2, restlessness.