While suctioning the mouth of a patient, what is the most appropriate technique?

• A. Apply suction while inserting the catheter.
• B. Apply suction while withdrawing the catheter in a sweeping motion.
• C. Keep suction on during the entire suctioning process.
• D. Do not suction the mouth.

Answer: (B)

When clearing the mouth, the aim is to remove secretions efficiently while minimizing trauma and oxygen loss. The best technique is to insert the catheter without suction and apply suction only as you withdraw it, using a gentle sweeping or rotating motion. This approach reduces mucosal injury and gagging, lowers the chance of pushing secretions further into the airway, and allows you to clear more surface area as the catheter exits. Keeping suction on during the entire process can cause tissue injury and desaturation, and suctioning during insertion increases the risk of trauma and airway irritation. Not suctioning the mouth at all leaves secretions in place and can raise aspiration risk.