Application of the three-step sputum elimination in nursing patients with severe inhalation burns

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of the three-step sputum elimination on preventing pulmonary complications in patients with burns complicated with severe inhalation injury. Methods Totally 81 patients with burns complicated with severe inhalation injury who received artificial airway between April 2015 and April 2016 were selected as a control group who received conventional nursing, while another 72 patients with burns complicated with severe inhalation injury who received artificial airway from May 2016 to April 2017 were selected as an observation group who received pulmonary nursing with the three-step sputum elimination, namely, 1) sufficient and effective airway humidification, 2) standardized beating procedure, and 3) effective catherization. The number of days with indwelling cannula and the incidence of pulmonary infection between the patients in the two groups were then observed. Results Totally 13 patients in the observation group (18.06%) and 49 patients in the control group (60.49%) showed pulmonary infection (χ2=7.826, P<0.01) . The number of days with indwelling cannula of the patients in the observation group, (14.02±1.21) d, was shorter than that of the patients in the control group, [ (19.04±1.63) d, (t=3.563, P<0.05) ]. Conclusions The key to treatment of patients with burns complicated with severe inhalation injury lies in effective measures taken to eliminate airway obstruction and ensure airway patency in patients. Enhanced management of artificial airway, correct and effective sputum elimination and early wound treatment can improve clinical efficacy and reduce the incidence of pulmonary infection. Key words: Burns, inhalation; Artificial airway; Pulmonary infection; Three-step sputum elimination