Skills Modules 3.0 Checklist - Airway Management - Performing Nasopharyngeal or Nasotracheal Suctioning

Sep 20, 2026

Skills Modules 3.0 checklist for evaluating competency in completing airway suctioning tasks, specifically nasopharyngeal or nasotracheal suctioning. Provides step-by-step performance criteria with S/U ratings and evaluator comments, covering preparation, patient introduction and identification, allergy screening, privacy, infection control, PPE and hand hygiene. Includes equipment setup, suction settings, draping and aseptic catheter handling. Details catheter lubrication, insertion technique, intermittent suction timing, oxygenation, repeat suctioning intervals, and wrap-up actions with safe positioning and documentation in the medical record.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Beginning Steps

Nasopharyngeal Suctioning

Nasotracheal Suctioning

Completion and Evaluation

STUDENT’S NAME DATE FOR FACULTY USE ONLY DATE EDUCATOR’S NAME PASS / FAIL Skills Modules 3.0 Checklist: Airway Management Performing Nasopharyngeal or Nasotracheal Suctioning INSTRUCTIONS: Use the following checklist to evaluate competency in completing this skill. Select Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) for each step and provide comments as needed. *Document the relevant information (assessment findings, pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions) in the client’s medical record. Beginning Steps STEP S U EVALUATOR’S COMMENTS Gather equipment as needed. *Provide privacy as needed. *Introduce yourself to the client. *Verify client identification. *Determine whether the client has allergies or any contraindications to the procedure. *Provide client education. *Perform hand hygiene and put on appropriate PPEas indicated. Copyright ©2022 Assessment Technologies Institute, L. L. C. All rights reserved. This resource is copyright protected material of ATI and is provided for use solely under license by ATI. Copying, distributing, or posting this material on the internet or social media is strictly prohibited. Posting on institution LMS requires ATI’s prior written permission. PAGE 1 [www.atitesting.com](www.atitesting.com) ©2022 Assessment Technologies Institute, L.L.C. | STEP S U EVALUATOR’S COMMENTS | | --- | | Place client in semi-Fowler’s position. | | Connect suction tubing to suction machine and to suction
device. | | Turn suction device on at a setting of 100 to 150 mm
Hg. Place the suction tubing near the client and assess
functioning of suction. | | Place drape over the client’s chest to prevent transmission
of micro-organisms. | Open suction kit and/or catheter using aseptic technique. If indicated, hyperoxygenate the client by increasing oxygen to 100% or ask the client to deep breathe. If indicated, remove oxygen device with nondominant hand. PAGE 2 Nasopharyngeal Suctioning | STEP S U EVALUATOR’S COMMENTS | | --- | | Open the lubricant and squeeze a small amount onto the
sterile field. | | Perform hand hygiene and don sterile gloves. | | Fill sterile basin with sterile 0.9% sodium chloride. | Using dominant hand, test suction in sterile basin. Then lightly lubricate the suction catheter with water-soluble lubricant. Insert the catheter into the client’s naris as the client takes a breath. Gently rotate the catheter while following the natural course of the nasal passage, pointing the catheter slightly downward and advancing the catheter to the back of the pharynx. Apply intermittent suction for 10 to 15 seconds as you withdraw and rotate the catheter. Reapply oxygen if needed. | Rinse catheter and tubing with the 0.9% sodium chloride. | | --- | | Assess if there is a need to repeat suctioning. If indicated,
allow at least 20 seconds before suctioning again. | PAGE 3 Nasotracheal Suctioning | STEP S U EVALUATOR’S COMMENTS | | --- | | Open the lubricant and squeeze a small amount onto the
sterile field. | | Perform hand hygiene and don sterile gloves. | | Fill sterile basin with sterile 0.9% sodium chloride. | Using dominant hand, test suction in sterile basin. Then lightly lubricate the suction catheter with watersoluble lubricant. Insert the catheter into the client’s naris as the client takes a breath. Gently rotate the catheter while following the natural course of the nasal passage, pointing the catheter slightly downward and advancing the catheter through the pharynx and into the trachea until resistance is felt, or coughing occurs. As the client coughs, apply suction and withdraw the catheter while rolling it between the thumb and index finger. Suction and catheter removal should last no longer than 10 to 15 seconds. Rinse catheter and tubing by suctioning sterile 0.9% sodium chloride. Instruct the client to deep breathe and hyperoxygenate as needed. PAGE 4 | STEP S U EVALUATOR’S COMMENTS |

FAQs

What information must be documented in the client’s medical record for this skill?

Document relevant assessment findings and pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions completed as part of the suctioning process.

What are the key timing limits for suctioning during nasopharyngeal suctioning?

Apply intermittent suction for 10 to 15 seconds while withdrawing and rotating the catheter, and if repeating, allow at least 20 seconds before suctioning again.

How should repeat suctioning be handled during nasotracheal suctioning?

Assess for indications of repeat suctioning, repeat as needed, and wait at least 1 minute between each pass of the suction catheter.

Sep 20, 2026

Upload by Arica Lee