What should be administered before suctioning a patient on mechanical ventilation?

What should be administered before suctioning a patient on mechanical ventilation?

• A. 10% oxygen
• B. 100% oxygen
• C. 50% oxygen
• D. Room air

Answer: (B)

Preoxygenate with 100% oxygen before suctioning a patient on mechanical ventilation. Suctioning disrupts ventilation and can quickly drop oxygen levels, risking hypoxemia and potential bradycardia or other complications. Providing high-concentration oxygen beforehand fills the alveoli with more oxygen and increases oxygen stores in the blood, helping maintain adequate oxygen saturation during the brief suctioning period. The other options—lower percentages or room air—don't offer enough oxygen to prevent desaturation during the procedure. After suctioning, restore the ventilator to its previous settings and continue monitoring SpO2.

Preoxygenate with 100% oxygen before suctioning a patient on mechanical ventilation. Suctioning disrupts ventilation and can quickly drop oxygen levels, risking hypoxemia and potential bradycardia or other complications. Providing high-concentration oxygen beforehand fills the alveoli with more oxygen and increases oxygen stores in the blood, helping maintain adequate oxygen saturation during the brief suctioning period. The other options—lower percentages or room air—don't offer enough oxygen to prevent desaturation during the procedure. After suctioning, restore the ventilator to its previous settings and continue monitoring SpO2.