For oropharyngeal suctioning, which catheter is typically used: Yankauer (Tonsil Tip) or French (Whistle Tip)?

• A. Tonsil Tip (Yankauer)
• B. French (Whistle Tip) Catheter
• C. Endotracheal tube suction catheter
• D. Suction catheter with or without tip

Answer: (A)

For clearing secretions from the mouth and oropharynx, the Yankauer (Tonsil Tip) suction tip is the typical choice. Its rigid design lets you control suction precisely at the surface of the mouth and throat, effectively removing thick secretions without advancing into the airway and risking injury or aspiration. The flexible French (Whistle Tip) catheter is more suited to other contexts, such as suctioning through an artificial airway or deeper pathways, and can be less ideal for quick oral cavity clearance. An endotracheal tube suction catheter is specifically for suctioning through an ET tube, not for the open oropharynx. A generic suction catheter with or without a tip lacks the design features that optimize oropharyngeal suctioning. So, the Yankauer is the standard for this purpose.