I am a fairly new nurse and work in a SNF. When I was in nursing school they taught us that trach suctioning is always done with sterile water or sterile nss. However, at work I have seen other nurses use distilled water for trach suctioning. I haven't used distilled water because I don't want to get in trouble if it is not correct. I have tried looking it up and have not been able to find an answer
So can you use distilled water for trach suctioning???
sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN
2,399 Posts
A persons airway is anything but sterile....
I still prefer sterile ms or water.....but that is no longer sterile after you suck up some after suctioning an airway to clear the cath....