During suctioning, you should suction on the way out only.

During suctioning, you should suction on the way out only.

• A. Suction on the way out only
• B. Suction on the way in
• C. Suction continuously
• D. Do not suction

Answer: (A)

Suctioning on the way out is the safest and most effective approach because it pulls secretions upward and out of the airway rather than pushing them deeper when the catheter is inserted. Inserting the catheter with suction can draw material further into the lungs and irritate the airway, increasing the risk of coughing, bronchospasm, or desaturation. Withdrawing the catheter while applying suction allows you to control the flow, remove secretions more cleanly, and minimize trauma to the airway. Remember to preoxygenate and keep suctioning brief, but the fundamental rule is to suction during withdrawal. Suctioning during insertion or suctioning continuously would raise risks without providing the benefit of effective clearance, and not suctioning at all fails to address airway obstruction.

Suctioning on the way out is the safest and most effective approach because it pulls secretions upward and out of the airway rather than pushing them deeper when the catheter is inserted. Inserting the catheter with suction can draw material further into the lungs and irritate the airway, increasing the risk of coughing, bronchospasm, or desaturation. Withdrawing the catheter while applying suction allows you to control the flow, remove secretions more cleanly, and minimize trauma to the airway. Remember to preoxygenate and keep suctioning brief, but the fundamental rule is to suction during withdrawal. Suctioning during insertion or suctioning continuously would raise risks without providing the benefit of effective clearance, and not suctioning at all fails to address airway obstruction.