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Use Of Mucus Extractor

A mucus extractor is a device that is indicated to remove mucus from the upper respiratory tract, stimulate productive coughing that expels mucus, prevent the aspiration of foreign objects into the lungs, and collect samples for testing in the laboratory. This procedure allows patients to breathe more easily and reduces the chances of oxygen deprivation due to blockage caused by mucus. Mucus suction may be recommended when the patient breathes noisily or the patient seems fidgety/restless or the patient’s pulse and respiration rates are elevated or the patient is beginning to turn blue due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis). A mucous extractor is used with a suction machine to maintain an airway by removing secretions from the mouth, throat, or lungs. It is vital in neurological diseases where the ability to cough or swallow is impaired. It is made of a clear transparent container that permits immediate visual examination of the aspirate. Along that a low friction surface catheter is provided with open-end silk smooth round tip, for trauma-free insertion, and a spare plug cap is provided to seal the container for the safe transportation of specimens to the laboratory or aseptic disposal of the container. It is manufactured from transparent medical-grade PVC. It is sterile and individually packed in a peelable soft blister pack. Suctioning is done usually through two methods. The first one is suctioning mucus through the nose and mouth. A nasal airway is a flexible tube with a flared end that is designed to be inserted into the nasal passageway, allowing convenient access to the nasopharynx, which connects the back of the nose to the back of the mouth. Suctioning mucus through the nasal airway is done in cases where a patient often bites down on the oropharyngeal airway. For your reference, an oropharyngeal airway or oral airway is a tube inserted through the mouth and into the oropharynx, the part of the throat at the back of the mouth. The second method is suctioning mucus through an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. Suctioning through an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube allows the removal of mucus from the lower respiratory tract, especially in patients who are not conscious and are unable to expel the mucus on their own. An endotracheal tube may be inserted through the mouth (orotracheal) or nose (nasotracheal) and will be passed through the epiglottis and vocal cords into the trachea. An endotracheal tube is usually only placed for three to four weeks, after which a tracheostomy tube will be used for direct access to the trachea. Before the procedure begins, the nurse needs to assess the patient’s condition. The nurse observes the patient’s breathing and respiration rate, the color of their skin, nails, and lips (for signs of cyanosis), whether the patient is listless, the characteristic of the mucus (the amount and texture), and whether or not the patient has vomited or regurgitated any food that is remaining in the patient’s mouth. The patient is advised not to eat for at least two hours before mucus suctioning to prevent aspiration. When the procedure starts, the patient is placed lying on the back. Staff wraps the patient’s body and holds it down while turning the patient’s face to the side. The suctioning tube is then attached to the suction machine and pressure is adjusted as appropriate. The pressure is checked by the nurse by placing a finger over the tip of the tube. Nasal secretion is sucked by gently inserting a fingertip or MU-Tip (Mahidol University-Tip) into the patient’s nostril until the MU-Tip/fingertip is placed against the inner wall carefully, ensuring that it does not scratch the inner part of the nose. While suctioning, MU-tip/fingertip is gently moved back and forth to make sure secretion is sucked as much as possible. When nasal suction is done, another tube for oral suction is connected. If the mucus is found gooey, 0.9% normal saline solution is dropped into the nostril before suction, or 0.9% normal saline solution is dropped into the other nostril while suctioning the other side with MU-Tip/fingertip. Each session of oral suction is not longer than 10 seconds to prevent larynx constriction and oxygen deficiency and the waiting period between sessions is approximately 3 minutes. The patient deeply inhales oxygen three to four times and the nurse observes the breathing patterns and notices the sound as well as the appearance of any mucus to decide whether or not suction must be repeated. Certain things are however kept in mind, while the process of suction goes on. In order to prevent irritation of the lining of the respiratory tract, when inserting the tube, it is made sure to open one side of the connector to prevent too much air from being sucked out until the tube is placed in the appropriate location, then it's closed. When the procedure is taking place, it is advised to move the tube all around and slowly move it back. If the mucus is very thick, three to five milliliters of normal saline solution is dropped into the endotracheal tube to dissolve the mucus, making it easier to suction out. To prevent oxygen deprivation, it is made sure that the patient is given oxygen for 30 seconds to 2 minutes or an ambu bag attached to oxygen is used and squeezed 3 to 6 times before suctioning. After mucus is suctioned, oxygen is provided to expand the lungs and prevent collapse. It is important to only suction when there is mucus or when it's necessary. This prevents lung atelectasis. This is how mucus is successfully removed from the respiratory tract using the mucus extractor.