EQUIPMENT
Bulb syringe
Normal saline drops
Gloves
Clean towel or paper towel

SAFETY

1. Avoid stimulating gag reflex, which may result in vomit-

ing.

PROCEDURE

1. Gather equipment. Improves organization and effective-

ness.

2. Prepare child and family. Consider having someone sup-

port or comfort the child. This may include having
someone assist in holding child. Enhances cooperation
and parental participation and reduces anxiety and fear.

3. Wash hands.
4. Position child with head flat or slightly elevated.
5. Assess respiratory status, including respiratory rate,

color, effort.

6. If desired or if secretions are very thick, drop normal

saline drops into nares before suctioning to loosen
secretions.

7. Deflate bulb prior to inserting tip into infant’s

nares/mouth by squeezing bulb. (Figure 30A)

8. Insert tip into infant’s nares/mouth. (Figure 30B)
9. Allow bulb to inflate and remove syringe from

nares/mouth. (Figure 30C)

10. Expel secretions into proper receptacle (cloth or paper

towel).

11. Repeat as necessary.
12. Repeat assessment of respiratory status.

DOCUMENTATION

1. Color, consistency, and amount of secretions.
2. How well the child tolerated the procedure, whether or

not saline was used.

3. Respiratory status.
4. Frequency required to clear nares/mouth of secretions.

97

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.

SKILL 44

SKILL 44

Bulb Suctioning

FIGURE 30C Allow bulb to inflate and
remove syringe from nares/mouth.

FIGURE 30B Insert tip into infant’s
nares/mouth.

FIGURE 30A Deflate bulb prior to inserting
tip into infant’s nares or mouth by squeezing
bulb.