Using mucociliary clearance methods that do not require an artificial airway
Law, C.
Nursing Times 99(41): 57-59
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-7762 PMID: 14603661 Document Number: 557972
Suction is used to clear secretions from the airways of patients who have an endotracheal tube, tracheostomy, minitracheostomy in place or those with an oropharyngeal airway (Lewis, 2002; McConnell, 2000; White, 1997). However, patients who do not have an artificial airway may sometimes require nasotracheal or nasopharyngeal suction (via the nose) or oropharyngeal suction (via the mouth).