Optimal Size Catheter for Suctioning an Adult's Airway

What size catheter should an adult's airway be suctioned with?

a) 8-10 French
b) 12-14 French
c) 16-18 French
d) 20-22 French

Answer:

An adult's airway should be suctioned with a 12-14 French catheter to ensure effective suctioning and minimize mucosal trauma.

When it comes to suctioning an adult's airway, using the right size catheter is crucial to avoid complications and ensure a smooth process. In this case, the recommended size for suctioning is 12-14 French. This specific size is chosen to provide effective suctioning while minimizing the risk of causing harm to the airway's mucosa.

The French scale, which measures the outer diameter of catheters, plays a significant role in determining the appropriate size. One French is equivalent to 0.33 mm, so a catheter with a size of 12-14 French has an outer diameter ranging from 3.96 mm to 4.62 mm. This range is considered ideal for suctioning an adult's airway because it allows for the efficient removal of secretions without causing significant trauma to the airway walls.