What is included in the proper technique for suctioning a patient's airway?

The inclusion of oxygenating and ventilating before and after suctioning is a critical component of the proper technique for managing a patient's airway. This practice is essential to ensure that the patient maintains adequate oxygenation levels during the suctioning process. Suctioning can temporarily remove secretions and potentially decrease oxygen saturation, so pre-oxygenating helps to counteract this drop by providing the patient with a sufficient reserve of oxygen. Furthermore, post-suctioning ventilation aids in re-establishing normal breathing patterns and ensures that oxygen levels return to an optimal state.

In the context of airway management, ensuring a continuous supply of oxygen is vital, especially when a patient is at risk of respiratory distress or failure. This helps provider teams minimize the risk of hypoxia and maintain patient safety during suctioning procedures.