When suctioning a patient, how far should you insert a soft suction catheter?

Inserting a soft suction catheter up to the base of the tongue is recommended because this allows for effective suctioning of the oral and pharyngeal secretions without risking trauma to the structures of the airway. Positioning the catheter to this depth maximizes the efficiency of the suctioning process while minimizing the potential for injury to delicate tissues or obstruction of the airway.

Inserting the catheter as far as you can see might lead to excessive placement that could endanger the patient by causing damage to the airway or stimulating the gag reflex. Stopping when resistance is encountered could also imply the catheter is too deep, potentially reaching areas beyond what is necessary for effective suctioning. Going past the vocal cords carries the risk of airway trauma or stimulating the cough reflex, which could lead to aspiration. Therefore, the appropriate insertion depth is crucial for both patient safety and effective suctioning.