Bronchiolitis Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department
Bronchiolitis Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department
Suction
Suctioning of the upper airway in children with bronchiolitis should follow the Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal Suctioning Policy.
Devices Used for Suctioning
- Bulb syringe: Appropriate for home or hospital use, recommended for mild to moderate distress
- NeoSucker and other devices: Designed for suctioning the nose using wall suction or other sources of negative pressure
- Suction catheter: Deeper suctioning the nasopharynx using wall suction
Assessment | Type of Suctioning | Comments |
---|---|---|
Mild | Bulb only | |
Moderate | Bulb or NeoSucker | Decision to deep suction should be made with provider at bedside |
Severe | NeoSucker or wall suction catheter | If requiring wall suction catheter, child should be observed in the ED for at least 2 hrs before discharge |