Effect of changing positions on Lung mechanics of traumatized ventilated patients

Abstract

Background: Positioning is a major pc art of nursing care for critically ill patients. Turning the patients in bed promotes adequate ventilation and stimulates circulation. Aim: To investigate the effect of changing positions on Lung mechanics of traumatized ventilated patients in addition to explore the effect of changing positions on ABG, duration of connection with MV &ICU staying, and the occurrence of complications of traumatized ventilated patients. Study design: Quasi-experimental research design was used to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted in trauma ICU at Assiut University hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 60 traumatized male and female patients. They were matched & randomly assigned into two equal groups of 30 patients in each (control group &intervention group). The Control group has received routine hospital care and the intervention group who were repositioned every 2 hours. Tools: two tools were used for data collection, Tool one: Patient assessment tool, Tool two: patient outcomes assessment tool. Results: it was observed that there was a statistically significant difference between intervention and control groups regarding lung mechanics, ABG (arterial blood gases), and decrease the length of ICU staying (P value < 0.05) especially in the last three days of the study period. Conclusion: changing patients' positions every 2 hours improved patients outcomes related to lung mechanics, oxygenation, and ventilation Recommendation: Early changing positions should be started early as possible for traumatized mechanically ventilated patients.