ORRNJJ3

I did speak with the attending anesthesiologist and he agreed that was not best practice. Unfortunately he wanted to me to name names... I didn’t like it but I did. I want my patients to be safe. Thanks so much for your input, it made me feel validated as to my concerns. I spent a lot of time taking care of intubated pediatric patients with TBI’s who had secretion issues and I NEVER saw anyone do that. I was horrified for my sweet little COPD guy.

No, there was no suction cath or other tip on the suction tube. He hooked it directly to the end of the ETT where the circuit would connect, turned on the suction full blast and yanked it out. I’ve seen secretions in the ETT before, but most anesthesiologists will pull the tube and suction with a yankauer in the mouth, to remove any of those secretions. Not remove the yankauer tip and hook the suction to the tube. It is not one with indwelling suction cath. This was for an outpatient surgery.

Also, there was no suction port. This was directly connected to a suction tube that usually connects to yankauer or suction cath. The CRNA I saw do this is very experienced and patient did well after. It was just something I’d never seen. Wanted to get some other opinions. ?? Thanks everyone

Awesome! Thanks so much for the input. Totally new experience for me and something I could suggest in the future as safe care then!

Yes, I’ve just usually seen anesthesia use a suction cannula, especially in these fragile little old guys. thanks so much for your comments!

The ETT was not used like that. The mucous was inside the tube. The patient was still intubated. Then the circuit was disconnected from the ETT and suction tubing attached to the end. This was followed by deflating the balloon and then extubating the patient with the ETT connected to the suction. It just seemed a little harsh for someone with lung issues. His O2 sat dropped significantly, but he was hyperventilated and came back to 97% pretty quickly (this was where he lived at). Anyway, I really appreciate the input.

Here is my concern...I recently encountered a CRNA who placed the suction tube directly to the ET tube on extubation of the patient. I do not feel comfortable with this method and expressed concern with it. The patient began gasping for air, but recovered ok with hyperoxygenation and O2 on transport. This gentleman was in his mid-70's with a history of smoking and COPD, and there were visible secretions in the ET tube. Two other OR nurses in the room said nothing, however when I voiced concern, it was made clear to me that there is no reason for concern. Most of my experience is with critically ill patient's in the Main OR, and I have NEVER seen an anesthesiologist extubate a patient this way. This occurred in the ambulatory setting. I would love to hear opinions from my more experienced RN's. Any thoughts?