When should you occlude the side opening of a suction catheter when performing oropharyngeal suctioning?

The appropriate time to occlude the side opening of a suction catheter during oropharyngeal suctioning is while withdrawing the catheter. This practice is crucial because it helps to maintain suction pressure within the catheter while it is being removed from the patient's mouth. By occluding the port during withdrawal, you can effectively clear secretions or debris without reintroducing them into the airway, thereby minimizing the risk of airway obstruction and promoting patient safety.

Maintaining suction during withdrawal also ensures that you are extracting as much inconsistency as possible from the airway, thus increasing the effectiveness of the suctioning procedure. Proper timing of this maneuver is part of the evidence-based guidelines aimed at optimizing patient outcomes during airway management.