Which of the following actions is considered unsafe during suctioning?

Applying suction while the catheter is being inserted is considered unsafe because it can cause injury to the airway and surrounding tissues. The primary purpose of suctioning is to remove secretions or obstructions once the catheter is properly in place. Suctioning during insertion can lead to trauma, discomfort, and potentially obstruct the airway further, as the catheter may push secretions instead of clearing them.

It's important to first insert the catheter gently to the appropriate depth and only then apply suction for a prescribed duration. This ensures that the procedure is as effective and safe as possible, minimizing risks to the patient while maximizing the likelihood of successful secretion removal.