What is the purpose of using a suction catheter?

The purpose of using a suction catheter is specifically to remove secretions from the airways. In patients with conditions that lead to excess mucus production or airway obstruction, suctioning is crucial for maintaining clear airways, promoting effective breathing, and preventing complications such as aspiration pneumonia.

Suctioning helps to remove mucus, blood, or other debris that may impair gas exchange and reduce lung function. This procedure is particularly important in patients with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or those who are intubated or have a tracheostomy. By clearing these secretions, suctioning can significantly enhance the patient's ability to breathe and oxygenate effectively.

The other options do not align with the primary function of a suction catheter. For instance, inserting medication into the lungs is an action that would generally be performed using a nebulizer or inhaler, rather than suctioning. Decreasing patient anxiety is a psychological aspect that might be managed through support and communication but is not a direct purpose of suctioning. Enhancing oxygenation could relate to improved airway patency resulting from suctioning, but it is more of an indirect benefit rather than the primary intention of using a suction catheter.