North Carolina EMS Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

Suctioning a patient’s airway for more than 15 seconds is not advisable because it can lead to hypoxia, which is a condition where the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. During suctioning, the patient's airway is temporarily obstructed, and the oxygen exchange is limited. If suctioning is prolonged beyond the recommended time, especially in patients who may already be compromised in their breathing or oxygenation, the risk of hypoxia increases.

The 15-second limit is a guideline designed to minimize this risk and ensure the patient maintains adequate oxygenation during the procedure. It's essential to perform suctioning quickly and efficiently to clear secretions while also providing supplemental oxygen or reestablishing the airway as soon as possible to prevent detrimental effects on the patient's overall health.