ENDOTRACHEAL SUCTIONING KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE AMONG CRITICAL CARE PRACTITIONERS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS IN UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR TEACHING HOSPITAL, CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE

📄 Project Abstract

Endotracheal suctioning is a clinical procedure that helps to clear airways in the respiratory system by mechanically removing accumulated pulmonary secretions in patients with artificial airways (Sharma, Sarin & Bala, 2014). Critically ill patients with artificial airways require endotracheal suctioning to remove secretions and prevent airway obstruction, without which the patient may experience inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Endotracheal intubation is an artificial airway that inhibits cough reflex and interferes with normal muco-ciliary function, therefore increasing airway secretion production and decreasing the ability to clear such secretions (The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, 2012). Although endotracheal suctioning is an essential way of maintaining ventilation and oxygenation in patients with such artificial airways, it can result in adverse effects and serious complications when performed inappropriately or incorrectly (Kelleher & Andrews, 2008). Patients o...