Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the practices of nursing professionals working in intensive care units regarding open system endotracheal suctioning (ETS). This quantitative study of 25 subjects was conducted in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil. Data was collected from April to September 2011 using a checklist monitoring tool composed of 23 items related to the technique. Data was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The mean global adherence rate was 51.33%. Poor adherence to 16 items was observed, these being risk factors for the occurrence of adverse effects, particularly occupational accidents, hypoxemia, infection, and hemodynamic instability. Dissatisfactory performance of ETS was found among the professionals investigated, warranting interventions capable of promoting behavioral changes through continuing education aimed at improving the quality of care.
Highlights
Endotracheal intubation and the institution of invasive mechanical ventilation are resources which are widely used in the management of critically-ill patients, so as to provide sufficient gaseous exchange for those with some sort of respiratory insufficiency
The analysis of the results reveals that, in 12 items, at least 70% of those investigated adhered to the measures recommended for endotracheal suctioning (ETS), these professionals' general performance was shown to be inadequate, as the global mean of correct actions, the sum of the percentage values of all the items divided by 23 - the total number of items - was low (51.33%)
Bearing in mind what has been presented, it is possible to conclude that there are divergences between the evidence available and the practices found in the Intensive Care Units (ICU) researched
Summary
Endotracheal intubation and the institution of invasive mechanical ventilation are resources which are widely used in the management of critically-ill patients, so as to provide sufficient gaseous exchange for those with some sort of respiratory insufficiency These devices can cause detrimental effects - inflammation, infections, and traumatic lesions to the airways -, which require preventive care. The procedure is essential for the stability of pulmonary function, as the presence of a ventilatory prosthesis interferes in the physiology of coughing and of the mucociliary system, which can inviabilize the adequate clearance of secretions from the tracheobronchial tree and cause stasis of this content This can cause atelectasis, infections, respiratory compromise, obstruction of the endotracheal tube, hemodynamic changes and death[2]
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