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Endotracheal suctioning: a literature review
1Intensive Care Unit, Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, UK.
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing
|November 14, 1998
Summary
Endotracheal suctioning (ETS) removes lung secretions in intensive care units. Nurses must balance ETS necessity for airway patency with minimizing patient hazards through careful assessment and appropriate frequency.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Endotracheal suctioning (ETS) is a vital intervention in intensive care units (ICUs) for managing pulmonary secretions in patients with artificial airways.
- Nurses performing ETS must be cognizant of potential patient hazards and implement strategies to mitigate risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on indications for ETS.
- To discuss potential adverse effects of ETS and methods for avoidance.
- To explore the optimal frequency for performing ETS based on patient assessment.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- The review focused on criteria for ETS indication, adverse effects, and avoidance strategies.
- Analysis of current practices and dilemmas regarding ETS frequency was performed.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports performing ETS based on clinical assessment rather than a fixed schedule to minimize patient exposure to hazards.
- ETS is crucial for maintaining airway patency and clearing secretions.
- Nurses face a dilemma in balancing the need for suctioning with potential risks.
Conclusions:
- Nurses require enhanced awareness of ETS hazards to make informed decisions about procedure frequency.
- Individual patient assessment is key to determining the appropriate timing and necessity of ETS.
- Further questioning of current practices can lead to optimized patient care and safety during ETS.