Suctioning techniques for the removal of respiratory secretions

Suctioning techniques are a necessary nursing intervention to remove respiratory secretions and maintain optimum ventilation and oxygenation in patients who are unable to get rid of these secretions independently. This intervention can induce problems and it is important that the correct procedure is adhered to so that patient safety and comfort are maintained. Nurses should be competent in assessing the need for suction. The decision to perform this procedure should be based on the patient's clinical signs and symptoms and should not be undertaken as a matter of routine.