ISSN: 2577-4301
Authors: Shetti AN*, Ravindran D and Bhavika S
Introduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is often a common complication encountered in critically ill -patients on ventilatory support in intensive care units. Intubated patients have increased susceptibility for mucous production and decreased airway clearance, paving risks for pneumonia and atelectasis. Maintenance of bronchial hygiene hence becomes a quintessential strategy in such patients; endotracheal suctioning being a salient component. Our study aims at assessing the level of awareness of principles of endotracheal suctioning in adults amongst critical care nurses of our rural tertiary care hospital. Aim: To study the awareness of nurses about principles of endotracheal tube suctioning practices in adult critical care units rural tertiary care unit. Materials and methods: After obtaining clearance from the Institutional Ethical Committee the study was conducted. A questionnaire was prepared taking into account the demographic details, knowledge ,attitude and practice skills of the nursing staff, and the same distributed amongst 68 critical care nursing staffs who were willing to be the part of study. Results: The obtained data were expressed in percentage. Most common age group was between 20–29 years (79.41%). All 68 nurses (100%) believe endotracheal tube (ETT) suctioning is helpful for the patient and 42 nurses (61.7%) does the suctioning based on clinician order. 48 (66%) of nurses believe that auscultation before the ETT suctioning is a good practice. All 68 (100%) nurses keep an eye on oxygen saturation, respiratory rate of the patient pre, during and post suctioning. Only 50 (73%) nurses felt the monitoring of all the parameters like heart rate, oxygen saturation, breath sounds, respiratory rate, End tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) is important. Out of 68 nurses 46 nurses felt the negative pressure required for ETT suctioning is 80-150 mm Hg. 49 (72%) out of 68 nurses claimed that the knowledge related to ETT suctioning is updated in continued nursing education. Conclusion: The ETT suctioning is an important part in the ventilated patients. The thorough knowledge of the suctioning is mandatory for the critical care nurses. Frequent survey, training and updating the knowledge of the critical care nurses should be considered.
Keywords: Endotracheal Suctioning; Bronchial Hygiene; Ventilator Associated Pneumonia
