When performing suctioning on an airway patient, which technique reduces hypoxia risk?

• A. Suction during withdrawal
• B. Suction while advancing
• C. Suction continuously
• D. Suction after removing tip

Answer: (A)

The important idea here is to protect the patient’s oxygen levels while clearing the airway. Suctioning should be done during withdrawal of the suction catheter, not while advancing it. By applying suction only as you pull the catheter back, you limit the duration of negative pressure in the airway and reduce the time the patient isn’t ventilating with oxygen. This approach helps prevent desaturation and hypoxia, especially since suction can remove air from the lungs and lower oxygen delivery. It also minimizes airway irritation and potential trauma that can accompany suctioning during insertion. In contrast, suctioning while advancing or doing it continuously keeps negative pressure in the airway for longer, increasing the risk of hypoxia.