Trach care/suctioning

[sarahjanelpn]

Hi, I am brand new to this web-site, so if this question has previously been asked I apologize. I work in a LTC Facility, and we have a young lady, and by young I mean 92:), with a trach. I was in assisting another LPN yesterday perform suctioning, and he was suctioning with the inner cannula out, he was not performing trach care, just suctioning.I was taught to suction with the inner cannula in, and to only take the inner cannula out if trach care was being performed. I have had other nurses tell me that they suction both ways, with the inner cannula in and out. I would like to know the RIGHT way, not the easy way. I thought I was taught correctly, but he had me questioning that. My window for state is open and I want to make sure I am 100% doing it the correct way! Thank you for any help you can give!

[LVN2RNMom, ASN, BSN, LVN]

I was taught that same as you & I'd never suction someone without the inner cannula. It's supposed to be done in a sterile environment. I may not be an expert but that doesn't even sound right to me.

[systoly]

Suctioning

i've been taught both ways

now if you have a fenestrated trach, you'd want to have a non fenestrated inner cannula

since the fenestration is right at the curvature making your cath go straight through the hole

[systoly]

perhaps this could be posted in pulmonary forum