Critical Care Nurses’ Practice of Endotracheal Tube Suctioning in Intensive Care Units: an Observational Study

Elmaghraby Saber Saber, Mahmoud; Ali, Aida; Abdelrahman, Hala Ahmed

doi:10.21608/mnj.2023.322074

Critical Care Nurses’ Practice of Endotracheal Tube Suctioning in Intensive Care Units: an Observational Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Nurse Specialist at Emergency Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt

² Assistant lecturer, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University

³ Lecturer, Critical Care, and Emergency Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University

10.21608/mnj.2023.322074

Abstract

Background: Endotracheal tube (ETT) suctioning is one of the most frequent airway procedures in mechanically
ventilated patients. Critical care nurses' (CCNs) practice regarding ETT suctioning play a vital role to maintain airway
clearance and prevent infection, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Aim: This study aimed to assess
CCNs' practice of ETT suctioning in intensive care units (ICUs) at Emergency Hospital, Mansoura University. Method:
A descriptive observational research design was used to conduct this study with a convenience sample of 50 CCNs
working in three ICUs affiliated with Emergency Hospital Mansoura University in Egypt. One tool was used for data
collection of this study. The tool was "Nurses' Practice of Endo-Tracheal Tube Suctioning Observation Checklist"
in addition to nurses’ socio-demographic characteristics. Results: The results revealed statistically significant
differences were found between the total and sub-total score of nurses' practice. The results showed that the total
practice score of the participant nurses was unsatisfactory (100%) with a mean ± SD of 55.49 ± 6.51. Conclusion: The
current study concluded that CCNs' practice regarding ETT suctioning was unsatisfactory. These findings may have a
negative effect on patients' outcomes. Recommendations: The CCNs need a training program application to improve
their practice regarding ETT suctioning to improve health for large numbers of critically ill patients, prevent
complications and significantly saving costs.

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