Page 64 - Norco Patient Orientation Handbook e-book
P. 64
Contact Norco if cooling fan fails.
Preventive Maintenance Schedule: Performed annually.
SUCTION - ORAL/NASAL/TRACHEAL/GI
Education
Discuss the purpose of nasal, oral, tracheal and GI suctioning: 1) To clear secretions, 2) To decrease airway
resistance, 3) To decrease infectious risk, 4) To prevent airway closure (atelectasis).
Discuss the contraindications/potential side effects of suctioning: 1) Hypotension (low blood pressure). 2)
Atelectasis (airway closure) and Irregular Heartbeat (arrhythmias).
Review the physician’s prescription; use the treatment as prescribed.
Demonstration
Plug power cord into properly grounded AC electrical outlet or appropriate DC power supply (car cigarette
lighter) if unit is an AC/DC model. Do not use an extension cord.
Make sure canister lid is attached and sealed.
Attach 18” tubing (if applicable) to suction canister lid labeled vacuum and the other end to the machine.
Attach 6’ tubing to the canister lid labeled patient.
Turn suction unit on and crimp 6’ tube. Adjust suction to the proper level. For tracheal suctioning: infants
40-80 mmHg, pediatrics 60-100mmHg, and adults 80-140mmHg. For GI suctioning (90 or 120mmHg)
intermittent. If oral suctioning, set pump to appropriate negative pressure level to clear secretions.
Explain use and care of appropriate suction appliance (e.g., Yankauer, suction catheter, lubricating jelly,
etc.).
Demonstrate proper suctioning procedure. Emphasize that tracheal suctioning longer than 10 seconds may
be hazardous (clinical staff - simulate only).
Demonstrate how to clean foreign matter from the tubing using hot water or saline solution.
*Note: Ventilator patients should be pre-oxygenated before an in-line suction catheter is used. See negative
pressure values above for the appropriate suction pressure.
Cleaning/Maintenance/Troubleshooting
Discuss battery life for portable suction pumps. Discuss battery-charging procedure (battery life of 45
minutes after 14 hours of charging).
Empty suction canister when approximately 1/2 full.
Soak suction bottle and “float” style lid with a 1:3 white vinegar/water solution for 30 minutes weekly.
Rinse canister and lid under hot running water. Dry thoroughly prior to reuse. Discard cleaning solution
after each use. Do not attempt to save and reuse.
If hydrophobic filter under canister lid becomes wet, the pump will not suction.*Note- The red lids contain a
hydrophobic filter.
If using lid with float design, pump will not suction if fluid level reaches the float.
Change 6’ suction tubing every two weeks. Change Yankauer oral suction devices every two weeks.
T-PUMP (HEAT THERAPY SYSTEM)
Education
Discuss the purpose of heat therapy: 1) To increase blood flow by vascular dilation, 2) To treat chronic pain
in muscles and joints.
Review physician’s prescription. Note: The physician determines the set temperature of the pump.
Demonstration
Discuss controls: 1) Power switch, 2) Temperature control, 3) “Over temperature” light, 4) Circuit breaker,
5) Power cord, 6) Pump hoses, 7) T-pad.
