The effect of nursing education in endotracheal tube suctioning

Abstract

Introduction: Secretion collection in patient's airways can block them. Decreased Po₂ and increased Pco₂ can weaken the respiratory system and cause acidosis. This can also cause cardiopulmonary failure and drive the patient to death. In case of obstruction in respiratory system, collection of secretions or even non-efficient coughs, intubations should be quickly administrated to save the life of the patients. One of the most important nursing cares in these patients is to suction airways in order to save the patient from a likely death. This research evaluated the effects of nursing education in endotracheal suctioning.

Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study in a group of 31 nursing personnel, working in ICUs of medical university hospitals. They were selected and given a pretest before and a post-test ten days after having an educational class (including both theoretic and practical education). The data were collected by interviews and checklists before and after education. Content validity and reliability were made by case analysis. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (including frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation), t-paired test, t-test, Pearson correlation index and analysis of variance.

Results: The results showed that the mean score was 19.9 before personnel's education while it was 32.3 after education. The difference was significant. Therefore, the education can improve suctioning.

Conclusion: The findings of the research showed a significant difference between scores before and after education of suctioning. Therefore, education of suctioning is recommended to promote the quality of care in ICUs