Answer :
Final answer:
The correct order of suctioning with the same catheter is to suction the mouth first, followed by the nose. This minimizes the risk of infection and ensures that the air passages are cleared effectively and safely.
Explanation:
When using a catheter for suctioning both the nose and mouth, the correct order of suctioning is to start with the mouth first, then proceed to the nose. This is because the mouth contains a larger volume for potential debris and is less sensitive than the nasal passages, which have hair-lined structures that filter particles out of the air and are responsible for warming and moistening the air. Also, since nasal passages are typically cleaner due to their filtering capabilities, starting with the mouth reduces the risk of transferring any debris or infections into the nasal area. It's essential to use sterile technique to avoid cross-contamination between the two areas.
To provide a comparison, consider how an obstetrician would aspirate mucus from a newborn: they typically clear the mouth before the nose to ensure that the airway is cleared without pushing any obstruction further down. In clinical practice, maintaining a sequential approach helps in effective suctioning without causing undue discomfort to the patient.
