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Clinical indicators for the initiation of endotracheal suction in children: An integrative review

K Davies1, L Monterosso2, M Bulsara3

  • 1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia.

Australian Critical Care : Official Journal of the Confederation of Australian Critical Care Nurses
|April 29, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Nurses lack clear guidelines for endotracheal tube (ETT) suction in pediatric intensive care. Research is needed to define clinical indicators for this common but inconsistently applied procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Intensive Care Nursing
  • Respiratory Care
  • Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

  • Endotracheal tube (ETT) suctioning is a common procedure in pediatric intensive care (PIC).
  • Current evidence and practice guidelines offer inconsistent indicators for performing ETT suction.
  • Lack of clear standards impacts nursing decisions and potentially patient stability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify current clinical indicators used in practice to determine the necessity of ETT suction.
  • To address the lack of defined standards for ETT suction in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • An integrative review methodology was employed.
  • A systematic approach was used to synthesize empirical and theoretical evidence.
  • Literature review focused on clinical practice related to ETT suction.

Main Results:

  • There is consensus that ETT suctioning should be performed only when clinically indicated.
  • No consistent agreement exists on specific clinical indicators to guide the decision for ETT suction.
  • Current practice lacks standardized criteria for determining the need for ETT suction.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is essential to identify reliable clinical indicators for ETT suction.
  • Development of a valid and clinically appropriate decision-making tool is recommended.
  • Improved guidelines will support nurses in making informed decisions regarding ETT suction.
Abstract

Keywords:
Adverse effectsClinical criteriaEndotracheal suctionIndicatorsIntensive careNursing practicePaediatric

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