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Medical Care (Sputum Suctioning and Tube Feeding)

National Exam for Certified Care Workers 介護福祉士 · 介護福祉士国家試験(筆記) · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Legal System of Medical Care, the 5 Permitted Specific Acts, and Boundaries with Medical Practice

Sputum suctioning and tube feeding are inherently Medical Acts performed by physicians or nurses; however, following the April 2012 (Heisei 24) enforcement of the amended Certified Social Worker and Certified Care Worker Act, care workers who have completed prescribed training and practical training may perform them under specific conditions.

The Specific Acts (5 acts) that Certified Care Workers may perform are strictly limited to: (1) Oral sputum suctioning, (2) Nasal sputum suctioning, (3) Tracheal cannula internal sputum suctioning, (4) Tube feeding via gastrostomy or enterostomy, and (5) Nasogastric tube feeding.

To perform these acts, it is mandatory to work at a Registered Sputum Suctioning Provider (registered by the prefectural governor), act based on a physician's written Instruction Sheet, and collaborate closely with nursing staff.

Conversely, replacing or reinserting a dislodged nasogastric tube or tracheal cannula, insulin injections, manual disimpaction of stool, and pressure ulcer wound treatment are medical acts that Certified Care Workers cannot perform.

Measuring body temperature, measuring blood pressure with an automated cuff, attaching a pulse oximeter, applying adhesive bandages to minor cuts, nail clipping without abnormalities, assisting with single-dose packaged oral medication, applying poultices, instilling eye drops, and inserting suppositories are generally considered Non-Medical Acts.

Key points


  • The 5 specific acts permitted for care workers are 3 types of sputum suctioning (oral, nasal, inside tracheal cannula) and 2 types of tube feeding (gastrostomy/enterostomy, nasogastric)

  • Must be performed at a prefectural governor-registered provider, based on a physician's written instruction, in collaboration with nurses

  • Cannula replacement, insulin injection, manual disimpaction, and pressure ulcer treatment are medical acts and cannot be performed by care workers
WordMeaning
Specific Acts (5 permitted acts)
Registered Sputum Suctioning Provider
Physician's written instruction sheet
Acts not considered medical practice

Infection Prevention (Disinfection and Sterilization), Vital Signs Measurement, and Basic Life Support (BLS)

Infection prevention in medical care strictly follows Standard Precautions (treating all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and mucous membranes as potentially infectious), performing handwashing/hand hygiene before and after care and wearing personal protective equipment (gloves, apron).

Sterilization is the complete destruction and removal of all microorganisms (including bacterial spores), whereas Disinfection reduces pathogenic microorganisms to a harmless level. When handling sterile items, verify the expiration date and ensure packaging is neither torn nor wet.

Vital signs comprise Body Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, and Blood Pressure (plus Consciousness and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation SpO2); normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths/minute, and normal SpO2 is 96–99% (below 90% indicates respiratory failure).

Note that a fingertip pulse oximeter cannot measure accurately if the user has peripheral circulatory failure (cold fingers), nail polish, vigorous body movement, or strong ambient light.

If unconsciousness or cardiopulmonary arrest (no normal breathing or agonal gasping) is discovered, immediately call for help, dial 119, and request an AED, then perform Basic Life Support (BLS) with continuous chest compressions on the lower half of the sternum at a depth of ~5 cm and a rate of 100–120/min, and attach the AED.

Key points


  • Sterilization destroys all microorganisms completely; Disinfection reduces pathogenic microbes to a safe level

  • Normal adult respiration is 12–20 breaths/min; pulse oximeter (SpO2) readings can be inaccurate due to cold fingers or nail polish

  • BLS chest compressions are performed on the lower half of the sternum, ~5 cm deep, at a tempo of 100–120 compressions/min
WordMeaning
Sterilization and Disinfection
Standard Precautions
Pulse oximeter (SpO2)
Basic Life Support (BLS, chest compressions, AED)

Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System, Sputum Mechanism, and Tracheal Cannula Structure

The airway passes from the Nasal/Oral Cavity -> Pharynx (shared pathway for air and food) -> Larynx (end of the upper airway containing the epiglottis and vocal cords) -> Trachea -> Right and Left Bronchi (lower airway), leading to the Alveoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide gas exchange occurs.

Anatomically, the right main bronchus is Wider, Shorter, and More Vertical than the left main bronchus, meaning aspirated foreign objects or suction catheters easily enter the Right Bronchus (right lung); the right lung has 3 lobes and the left lung has 2 lobes.

The airway mucosa contains ciliated epithelial cells and mucus that trap inhaled foreign matter and bacteria, transporting them toward the pharynx via Mucociliary Escalator movement and expelling them outside the body as Sputum via the Cough Reflex.

Users who undergo tracheostomy due to respiratory or swallowing disorders have a Tracheal Cannula inserted. A Cuffed Tracheal Cannula features an inflatable balloon (cuff) that seals against the tracheal wall to prevent saliva aspiration, along with a Side Tube for suctioning secretions pooled above the cuff.

Care workers are permitted to suction only Inside the Tracheal Cannula, taking care not to advance past the cannula tip and injure the tracheal mucosa. Subglottic suctioning through the side tube and cuff pressure adjustment are performed by physicians or nurses.

Key points


  • The airway runs in order: Nasal/Oral cavity -> Pharynx -> Larynx -> Trachea -> Bronchi -> Alveoli

  • The right bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left so foreign objects enter it easily; the right lung has 3 lobes, the left has 2

  • When mucociliary movement and the cough reflex decline, sputum accumulates and suctioning becomes necessary
WordMeaning
Upper airway (nose, pharynx, larynx) and Lower airway (trachea, bronchi)
Ciliary movement and Cough reflex
Tracheal cannula (cuff, side tube)
Cyanosis (purplish-blue discoloration of lips and nails)

Preparation, Procedure, Suction Pressure, Duration, and Depth Principles for Sputum Suctioning

Before suctioning sputum, verify the physician's instruction sheet, explain the procedure and obtain the user's consent, observe respiratory status (breath sounds, rattling sounds, SpO2, facial color, cyanosis), and position the user comfortably (supine or semi-reclined).

When preparing the suction machine, kink the suction tubing and turn on the switch to confirm that the Suction Pressure (negative pressure) is set to the prescribed range (for adult oral/nasal suctioning, generally 20 kPa / ~150 mmHg or less, maximum 26 kPa or less).

As an absolute rule for insertion depth, oral suctioning must stop Just Before the Pharynx (do not insert past the uvula to prevent gag reflex and mucosal injury), and tracheal cannula suctioning must remain Inside the Cannula (not beyond the distal tip).

To prevent hypoxemia and mucosal damage, each suctioning pass must last Within 15 Seconds (10–15 seconds inside a tracheal cannula), gently rotating the catheter between the fingertips while withdrawing it.

When suctioning multiple sites, proceed from the cleanest, most infection-vulnerable site first: (1) Inside the tracheal cannula -> (2) Nasal cavity -> (3) Oral cavity. Reusing a catheter after tracheal cannula suctioning or inserting an oral/nasal catheter into the tracheal cannula is strictly forbidden.

Preparation, Procedure, Suction Pressure, Duration, and Depth Principles for Sputum Suctioning

Key points


  • Insert the catheter only to Just Before the Pharynx for oral suctioning, and Within the Cannula Tip for tracheal cannula suctioning

  • Each suctioning pass must be Within 15 Seconds to prevent hypoxia, with negative pressure verified at ~20 kPa or less

  • Suction in order from highest cleanliness: Inside tracheal cannula -> Nasal cavity -> Oral cavity
WordMeaning
Up to before the pharynx (oral suctioning depth)
Suction pressure (negative pressure verification)
Suctioning duration (within 15 seconds per pass)
Aseptic technique (tracheal cannula suctioning)

Digestive System Anatomy/Physiology and Types of Tube Feeding (Gastrostomy, Enterostomy, Nasogastric)

The digestive tract runs from the Oral Cavity -> Pharynx -> Esophagus -> Stomach (entering at the Cardia, passing the fundus and body, exiting at the Pylorus) -> Small Intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum: digests and absorbs most nutrients) -> Large Intestine (absorbs water) -> Anus.

The Cardia (lower esophageal sphincter) at the stomach entrance prevents stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus, while the Pylorus at the exit regulates the amount emptied into the duodenum.

When oral intake is insufficient but gut function is preserved, Tube Feeding methods include Nasogastric Tube Feeding (tube from nose to stomach), Gastrostomy (PEG: fistula directly through the abdominal wall into the stomach), and Enterostomy (into the jejunum, etc.).

Gastrostomy catheters are classified by external shape into Button Type (flush with the skin, hard to self-remove, has an anti-reflux valve) and Tube Type (easy to connect), and by internal bumper shape into Balloon Type (inflated with sterile distilled water, replaced every 1–2 months) and Bumper Type (replaced every 4–6 months).

Even with a gastrostomy (PEG), users can still enjoy oral eating according to swallowing ability, and once the connecting tube is detached, they can Bathe in a bathtub as usual without sealing the stoma site with waterproof gauze.

Key points


  • The stomach entrance is the Cardia (prevents reflux) and the exit is the Pylorus; nutrients are mainly absorbed in the Small Intestine

  • Gastrostomy catheters have 4 combinations of external shape (Button/Tube) and internal bolster (Balloon/Bumper)

  • Users with a gastrostomy can still eat orally if swallowing permits and can bathe directly in a tub as usual
WordMeaning
Cardia and Pylorus
Gastrostomy (PEG), Enterostomy, and Nasogastric tube feeding
Button-type and Tube-type catheters
Balloon-type and Bumper-type internal bolsters

Preparation, Positioning, Infusion Procedure, and Oral/Skin Care in Tube Feeding

Before tube feeding, check the physician's instruction sheet (formula type, volume, temperature, drip rate, time) and the user's name and condition (fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal distension); toileting and suctioning should be completed beforehand.

To prevent aspiration pneumonia from gastroesophageal reflux, position the user in Fowler's Position (semi-sitting) with the head of the bed elevated 30–45 Degrees or More (or sitting), and maintain this posture for 30 to 60 minutes after infusion ends.

Because cold formula easily causes diarrhea, warm liquid formula in a water bath to Body Temperature (~37–38°C) (semi-solid formulas and certain products are given at room temperature), prime the irrigator bottle and tubing with formula to expel air, and close the roller clamp (klemme).

Inspect the peristomal skin for redness, swelling, exudate, granulation tissue, or tube displacement, verify that the external bolster has 1–1.5 cm of play and rotates smoothly, and then start the drip at the prescribed rate using the roller clamp.

After infusion, flush the tube with Lukewarm Water to prevent occlusion and bacterial growth. Furthermore, because tube-fed users chew less and have reduced saliva secretion, oral bacteria multiply easily; daily Oral Care is vital to prevent aspiration pneumonia.

Preparation, Positioning, Infusion Procedure, and Oral/Skin Care in Tube Feeding

Key points


  • Maintain a 30–45+ degree semi-sitting position (Fowler's position) during infusion and for 30–60 minutes afterward to prevent reflux and aspiration

  • Warm liquid formula to body temperature (~37–38°C) to prevent diarrhea, and flush the tube with lukewarm water after completion

  • Even without oral eating, reduced saliva increases oral bacteria, so thorough daily Oral Care is essential to prevent aspiration pneumonia
WordMeaning
Fowler's position (semi-sitting: 30–45 degrees or more)
Irrigator container and Roller clamp (Klemme)
Semi-solid enteral formula
Flushing with lukewarm water

Complications, Near-Misses (Hiyari-Hatto), and Emergency Response in Suctioning and Tube Feeding

Complications during sputum suctioning include Hypoxia (drop in SpO2, cyanosis) from overly long suctioning, Bleeding (bloody sputum) from mucosal injury, Gag/Vomiting Reflex from deep pharyngeal stimulation, and Vagal Reflex (bradycardia, hypotension).

If a tracheal cannula accidentally dislodges or severe bleeding/respiratory deterioration occurs during suctioning, the care worker must never attempt to reinsert the cannula themselves, but immediately contact nursing staff or a physician for instructions.

Major complications in tube feeding include Diarrhea caused by an overly rapid infusion rate or cold formula, and Dumping Syndrome (rapid entry of formula into the intestine causing cold sweats, dizziness, palpitations, and hypoglycemia—especially common in enterostomy).

In nasogastric tube feeding, coughing or movement can dislodge the tube tip from the stomach into the esophagus or trachea; before feeding, nursing staff must verify gastric placement and care workers must check that the tube is not coiled in the mouth.

If the user develops Nausea, Vomiting, Severe Coughing/Choking, Pallor, or Dyspnea during tube feeding, Immediately Close the Clamp to Stop the Infusion to prevent aspiration or choking, turn the user's head to the side, suction the oral cavity as needed, and report to the physician or nurse.

Key points


  • An overly rapid infusion rate easily causes Diarrhea or Dumping Syndrome (cold sweats, dizziness, palpitations)

  • If nausea, vomiting, or coughing occurs during feeding, Immediately Close the Clamp to Stop the Infusion and report to medical staff

  • If a tracheal cannula or gastrostomy catheter dislodges, do not reinsert it yourself; contact a physician or nurse immediately
WordMeaning
Dumping syndrome
Vagal reflex
Immediately stop infusion (upon vomiting or choking)
Accidental dislodgement of cannula/catheter

Official references