Answer :
Hyperoxygenation before and after suctioning prevents hypoxemia during the temporary removal of oxygenated air. Sterility is maintained to prevent infections in the ordinarily sterile lower respiratory tract. Gas exchange between blood and cells involves oxygen being delivered to cells and carbon dioxide being carried away, driven by differences in partial pressures.
Clients are hyperoxygenated before and after suctioning to replenish the oxygen that might be lost during the procedure, thus preventing hypoxemia. Suctioning can cause a temporary drop in oxygen levels because it removes secretions along with the air containing oxygen. By providing 100 percent oxygen before and after, we ensure the patient's tissues remain well-oxygenated, reducing the risk of hypoxemia.
Sterility is crucial during suctioning because the respiratory tract needs to be protected from infections. The procedure can introduce pathogens into the lower respiratory tract, where the environment is typically sterile. Maintaining sterility helps prevent respiratory infections such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening, especially in vulnerable patients.
Gas Exchange Dynamics
Oxygen and carbon dioxide flow is bidirectional during the gas exchange between the blood and body's cells. Oxygen flows from the lungs into the blood, where it is transported to cells for metabolic processes. Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of metabolism, flows from the cells to the blood and is transported back to the lungs for exhalation. This process is driven by the difference in partial pressures, ensuring efficient exchange and allowing cellular respiration to proceed.
