For an adult patient, suctioning should be limited to less than how many seconds?

• A. Less than 15 seconds
• B. 5 seconds
• C. 60 seconds
• D. 30 seconds

Answer: (A)

Limiting suction time reduces the risk of hypoxemia, airway mucosal injury, and vagal reflex–related bradycardia during the procedure. In adults, the standard practice is to keep each suction pass under 15 seconds. If desaturation or distress occurs, pause to re-oxygenate the patient and then repeat as needed with brief suctioning intervals. Secretions can often be cleared with shorter passes, which is safer and better tolerated. Longer durations, like 30 seconds or more, substantially increase the chance of dropping oxygen levels and causing airway or heart rate disturbances.