Hi there,
The current paramedic Ventilatory Management - Adult testing station currently requires paramedic students to provide endotrachael suction to a patient.
I have noticed that during the section where the student is tested, questions arise on how to achieve the requirement to measure the soft tip catheter.
Specifically, the evaluation sheet states:
"Marks maximum insertion length with thumb and forefinger"
"At proper insertion depth, covers catheter port and applies suction while withdrawing catheter"
What is your preferred method of determining maximum insertion length? I have heard three, very different variations as the "right" answer:
- Using the stylette as a guide to maximum insertion length
- Measuring from the tip of the tube to the sternal notch
- Using another endotrachael tube as a guide
In fact, in two textbooks which follow the National Standard Curriculum, (Blendose and Nancy Caroline), there is no mention on maximum insertion length, rather, that the suction catheter should only be inserted until resistance is felt.
So what is NREMT talking about?
The current paramedic Ventilatory Management - Adult testing station currently requires paramedic students to provide endotrachael suction to a patient.
I have noticed that during the section where the student is tested, questions arise on how to achieve the requirement to measure the soft tip catheter.
Specifically, the evaluation sheet states:
"Marks maximum insertion length with thumb and forefinger"
"At proper insertion depth, covers catheter port and applies suction while withdrawing catheter"
What is your preferred method of determining maximum insertion length? I have heard three, very different variations as the "right" answer:
- Using the stylette as a guide to maximum insertion length
- Measuring from the tip of the tube to the sternal notch
- Using another endotrachael tube as a guide
In fact, in two textbooks which follow the National Standard Curriculum, (Blendose and Nancy Caroline), there is no mention on maximum insertion length, rather, that the suction catheter should only be inserted until resistance is felt.
So what is NREMT talking about?