For an adult, a suction cycle takes no more than 10 to 15 seconds. The duration is limited because suctioning removes oxygen from the airway and the person does not receive oxygen during suctioning, which can cause hypoxia and life-threatening problems, including cardiac arrest.

A suction cycle for adults must last no more than 10 to 15 seconds. The cycle includes inserting the catheter, applying suction, and removing the catheter. Limiting the duration is important because suctioning removes oxygen from the airway; the person does not get oxygen during the procedure. If suctioning lasts too long, hypoxia and serious complications involving the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems can occur, including cardiac arrest. Additionally, each pass of the suction catheter carries risks of injury and hypoxia, and the catheter should not be passed more than three times.

Key points

Adult suction cycles are limited to 10 to 15 seconds.
A suction cycle includes inserting the catheter, suctioning, and removing it.
Suctioning removes oxygen from the airway, so the person receives no oxygen during the procedure.
Too-long suctioning can lead to hypoxia and life-threatening problems such as cardiac arrest.
The catheter should not be passed more than three times because injury and hypoxia are risks each time.

What is the maximum duration of a suction cycle for an adult, and why is it important to limit the duration?