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Effects of normal saline on endotracheal suctioning
Author(s) -
Akgül Sevim,
Akyolcu Neriman
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2702.2002.00655.x
Subject(s) - saline , medicine , anesthesia , heart rate , pco2 , intensive care unit , oxygenation , respiratory rate , intensive care , arterial blood , blood pressure , intensive care medicine
Summary • This study was designed to determine the effects of saline solution administered prior to endotracheal suctioning by nurses working in intensive care on oxygenation, heart rate and long‐term pulmonary hygiene. • The study was carried out on an experimental basis in the Intensive Care Unit of a university hospital in Turkey. A total of 20 patients were included, who were mechanically ventilated because of pulmonary or cardiovascular problems or trauma. • Data were collected using a data form. Each patient was monitored for 5 minutes following suctioning with or without saline solution and findings of heart rate, SpO 2 , and blood gas measurements were recorded. Data were analysed using percentage calculations, the student's t ‐test and the Friedman test. • The study showed that most of the patients were between 60 and 69 years and were intubated because of respiratory insufficiency. • Evaluation of blood gases following suctioning with or without saline solution showed partial decreases in pO 2 , pCO 2 , HCO 3 , and oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ), which did not reach a significant level. • No significant difference was found between pH levels recorded prior to and 5 minutes after suctioning without saline solution; however, the increase in pH following suctioning with saline solution was significant. • Patients undergoing suctioning with saline solution exhibited significantly increased heart rates in the fourth and fifth minutes, whereas no increases were detected in these undergoing suctioning without saline solution. SpO 2 values obtained by pulse oxymeter did not show significant differences. • Saline solution administered with suctioning resulted in undesirable, although not significant, alterations in oxygen saturation and arterial blood gas levels.