Principles of suctioning in infants, children and young people.

Suctioning to clear airway secretions is an important part of the nursing care for children with respiratory conditions. While the principles of safe suctioning are known widely, they are not closely adhered to. The adverse effects of suctioning can easily be overlooked to the detriment of the patient. Careful risk assessment and patient observation are needed to ensure that suctioning is performed only when necessary and the risks to the patient are minimised.