Answer :
Suctioning is indicated for patients who cannot clear respiratory secretions on their own. It's not advised to perform "routine" suctioning or instill NS before the procedure because it can lead to complications. Pre-oxygenation with 100% FiO2 and limiting suctioning to 10 to 15 seconds help to minimize risks.
Suctioning is indicated when a patient is unable to clear respiratory secretions due to various conditions like neuromuscular disorders, the presence of a tracheostomy tube, or during general anesthesia. "Routine" suctioning without a clear indication is not recommended because it can cause trauma to the airway, increase the risk of infection, and lead to hypoxemia.
Moreover, it is not recommended to routinely instill normal saline (NS) before suctioning, as it may not improve sputum yield and can induce cough and decrease oxygenation. Providing 100% FiO2 before suctioning is recommended because suctioning can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood.
Thus, pre-oxygenation can help maintain adequate oxygen saturation. Indicators to stop suctioning include changes in heart rate and oxygen saturation, which suggest that the patient may not be tolerating the procedure well. The maximum amount of time for suctioning should generally not exceed 10 to 15 seconds to minimize the risk of hypoxia.