Trach Care Quiz: Can You Suction Safely?

1. What is the maximum recommended suction pressure for a tracheostomy tube in adults?

80–100 mmHg

120–150 mmHg

160–180 mmHg

200–250 mmHg

2. How often should a tracheostomy tube be suctioned if the patient is producing copious secretions?

Every 8 hours

As needed, based on patient assessment

Every 2 hours regardless of condition

Only when the patient requests it

3. Which technique reduces hypoxemia during suctioning?

Hyperventilation with 100% oxygen before and after suctioning

Applying suction continuously for 30 seconds

Suctioning without pausing between attempts

Using the smallest catheter available

4. The suction catheter diameter should not exceed ____ of the tracheostomy tube's inner diameter.

One-half

Two-thirds

Three-quarters

The full diameter

5. True or False: Suctioning should always be a clean procedure, not sterile.

True

False

6. What is the primary purpose of inner cannula care in tracheostomy management?

To prevent tube migration

To remove secretions and prevent airway obstruction

To reduce patient discomfort

To decrease oxygen requirements

7. How long should suction be applied continuously during a single pass?

Up to 5 seconds

Up to 10 seconds

Up to 20 seconds

Up to 30 seconds

8. Which sign indicates the patient may need suctioning?

Increased breath sounds bilaterally

Visible secretions in the tracheostomy tube

Normal oxygen saturation

Decreased respiratory rate

9. True or False: Tracheostomy tube ties should be changed daily as routine care.

True

False

10. What is the correct depth for inserting a suction catheter into a tracheostomy tube?

Just past the tube opening

Until resistance is felt, then withdrawn 1 cm

As deep as possible to remove all secretions

Only halfway into the tube

11. Which complication can result from aggressive or frequent suctioning?

Tube dislodgement

Tracheal bleeding and tissue trauma

Decreased secretion production

Permanent tube migration

Submit

13. True or False: Sterile saline can be instilled into the tracheostomy tube to help mobilize secretions.

True

False

14. What should be the first action if a tracheostomy tube becomes completely obstructed?

Call for help and attempt to suction immediately

Replace the inner cannula and assess breathing

Wait 5 minutes to see if secretions clear

Remove the outer cannula

Submit

Trach Care Quiz: Can You Suction Safely?

1. What is the maximum recommended suction pressure for a tracheostomy tube in adults?

2.

What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

2. How often should a tracheostomy tube be suctioned if the patient is producing copious secretions?

3. Which technique reduces hypoxemia during suctioning?

4. The suction catheter diameter should not exceed ____ of the tracheostomy tube's inner diameter.

5. True or False: Suctioning should always be a clean procedure, not sterile.

6. What is the primary purpose of inner cannula care in tracheostomy management?

7. How long should suction be applied continuously during a single pass?

8. Which sign indicates the patient may need suctioning?

9. True or False: Tracheostomy tube ties should be changed daily as routine care.

10. What is the correct depth for inserting a suction catheter into a tracheostomy tube?

11. Which complication can result from aggressive or frequent suctioning?

12. The tracheostomy site dressing should be changed when it becomes ____ or soiled.

13. True or False: Sterile saline can be instilled into the tracheostomy tube to help mobilize secretions.

14. What should be the first action if a tracheostomy tube becomes completely obstructed?

15. Proper hand hygiene and use of clean gloves during suctioning helps prevent ____.