When using a Yankauer oral-tip suction to clear an oropharynx, which action should the nurse take before inserting the catheter?

When using a Yankauer oral-tip suction to clear an oropharynx, which action should the nurse take before inserting the catheter?

• A. Assess the nares for a deviated septum.
• B. Apply suction by occluding the port.
• C. Turn on the continuous suction device.
• D. Ask the client to begin swallowing.

Answer: (C)

Turn on the continuous suction device before inserting the Yankauer. Having suction active right away allows you to immediately remove secretions as soon as the tip is placed in the oropharynx, which helps prevent aspiration and reduces trauma from suctioning without functioning suction. The Yankauer is used with continuous, high-volume, low-pressure suction, so starting it beforehand provides smooth, effective clearance. Other steps listed aren’t part of prepping for oral suctioning: nasal assessment isn’t needed for this route, asking the patient to swallow isn’t a prep step for inserting the catheter, and testing suction by occluding the port is a separate check, not the action to perform before insertion.

Turn on the continuous suction device before inserting the Yankauer. Having suction active right away allows you to immediately remove secretions as soon as the tip is placed in the oropharynx, which helps prevent aspiration and reduces trauma from suctioning without functioning suction. The Yankauer is used with continuous, high-volume, low-pressure suction, so starting it beforehand provides smooth, effective clearance. Other steps listed aren’t part of prepping for oral suctioning: nasal assessment isn’t needed for this route, asking the patient to swallow isn’t a prep step for inserting the catheter, and testing suction by occluding the port is a separate check, not the action to perform before insertion.