What is the proper size of a suction catheter to be used through an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube?
A) The inside diameter of the catheter should not exceed one-half of the inside diameter of the artificial airway
B) The outside diameter of the catheter should not exceed one-third of the inside diameter of the artificial airway
C) The outside diameter of the catheter should not exceed one-half of the inside diameter of the artificial airway
D) A size 14-Fr suction catheter should be used for a 5-mm inside diameter of the artificial airway, otherwise a size 12-Fr catheter should be used.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A good general rule to follow is that the outside diameter of the catheter should not exceed one-half of the inside diameter of the artificial airway.Using a catheter that is too large could cause the application of excessive vacuum,resulting in atelectasis or,worse,the collapse of a total segment of the lung.

What Is the Proper Size of a Suction Catheter to Be