How does a closed suction catheter adult reduce pain or discomfort for patients?

Exploration of the application of closed suction catheter in alleviating discomfort in adult patients
In the process of clinical nursing, suction operation is one of the common medical behaviors, especially for adult patients who rely on artificial airway to maintain breathing. However, traditional suction methods often cause varying degrees of discomfort to patients, and may even induce physiological stress reactions. The emergence of closed suction catheters provides a gentler alternative to alleviate such problems.

Reduce discomfort caused by mechanical stimulation
Compared with traditional open catheters, one of the biggest advantages of closed suction catheters is that it reduces repeated interference with the airway. During suction, the closed system does not need to disconnect the artificial airway, and can maintain ventilation continuity, thereby avoiding discomfort or chest tightness caused by sudden changes in airway pressure. In addition, the soft material of the system can also reduce the mechanical stimulation of the airway mucosa during insertion and withdrawal of the catheter, and reduce the tingling sensation in the throat.

Reduce psychological stress and anxiety reactions
For awake or semi-awake patients, suction is often accompanied by fear, anxiety, and even resistance. The closed suction catheter can effectively reduce the visual stimulation of the patient to the operation process due to its closed overall structure and relatively concealed operation. At the same time, medical staff can shorten the entire suction time through fast and standardized operation, avoiding the psychological burden caused by long waiting and operation. In addition, some hospitals have gradually promoted patient-centered care methods, and brief communication before suctioning can help patients anticipate the process and reduce the discomfort caused by uncertainty.

Reduce the discomfort caused by complications
When using traditional suction methods, frequent disconnection of the breathing tube can easily lead to decreased oxygenation, and some patients experience discomfort symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue caused by hypoxia. The closed suction catheter can maintain ventilation and reduce the risk of hypoxemia caused by suction, thereby reducing this series of accompanying reactions. At the same time, it helps to reduce the entry of external pathogens, reduce the chance of infection, and relieve the inflammatory response caused by sputum irritating the airway mucosa.

Improve nursing comfort and operation efficiency
The closed suction catheter supports multiple uses, reduces the frequency of catheter replacement, and has less interference with patients. In actual operation, medical staff can master the rhythm of suction, negative pressure adjustment and catheter rotation to ensure the removal of airway secretions while avoiding discomfort such as pulling and collision to the airway to the greatest extent. In addition, the system is usually equipped with a flushing function to keep the inside of the catheter clean, prevent catheter blockage, and further reduce the discomfort caused by repeated operations due to reduced suction efficiency.

The importance of clinical nursing cooperation
Although the closed suction catheter is more in line with the concept of comfortable care in design, its final effect also depends on the careful observation and professional judgment of the nursing staff. Adjusting the suction strategy according to the patient's position, suction frequency, sputum properties, etc. can further improve patient acceptance. In the nursing process, gentle tone, gentle operation, synchronous monitoring of vital signs and other details are also important means to reduce patient discomfort.
As one of the representative devices for improving patient comfort in modern medicine, the closed suction catheter has been gradually promoted and applied in many fields such as critical illness, postoperative recovery and chronic disease management. Through the dual optimization of technology and nursing concepts, it can bring less painful and safer treatment experience to adult patients, which is an important manifestation of achieving the goal of humanized medical care.