What is the most appropriate suction setting for an 8-month-old infant with a tracheostomy?

For an 8-month-old infant with a tracheostomy, a suction setting of 90 mmHg is appropriate. This pressure allows for effective clearing of secretions without causing trauma to the delicate airway structures of an infant.

In pediatric patients, especially those as young as 8 months, the airway is more sensitive and can be injury-prone. Setting the suction pressure too high can lead to mucosal damage, bleeding, or other complications. A moderate suction setting such as 90 mmHg helps ensure that secretions can be removed efficiently while minimizing the risk of negative effects.

Lower settings, such as 60 mmHg or 40 mmHg, may not effectively clear thicker secretions or those that are more resistant, while higher settings like 120 mmHg could pose a risk of causing harm to the infant's upper airway. Therefore, the balance of effective suctioning and safety leads to the choice of 90 mmHg as the most suitable setting for this age group.