OROPHARYNGEAL SECRETION VOLUME IN INTUBATED PATIENTS: THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL SUCTIONING

    Authors

    M. L. Sole; D. A. Penoyer; M. Bennett; J. Bertrand;S. Talbert

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Am. J. Crit. Care

    Keywords

    VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA; CONTINUOUS ASPIRATION; SUBGLOTTIC; SECRETIONS; CARE; PREVENTION; POSITION; SURGERY; REDUCE; TRIAL; TUBE; Critical Care Medicine; Nursing

    Abstract

    Background Aspiration of secretions that accumulate above the cuff of the endotracheal tube is a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Routine suctioning of oropharyngeal secretions may reduce this risk; the recommended frequency for suctioning is unknown. Objectives To quantify the volume of secretions suctioned from the oropharynx of critically ill patients at 2 different intervals to assist in identifying a recommended frequency for oropharyngeal suctioning. Methods A prospective, repeated measure, single-group design was used. Twenty-eight patients who were orally intubated and treated with mechanical ventilation were enrolled; 2 were extubated during data collection, yielding a sample of 26 patients. The patients were suctioned at baseline with a deep suction catheter, and the volume and weight of secretions were recorded. The procedure was repeated at 2-hour and 4-hour intervals. Results Most of the patients were male (mean age, 49 years). Three suctioning passes were needed to clear secretions, with a mean time of 48.1 seconds. The mean volume of secretions at the 2-hour interval was 7.5 mL. Five patients required suctioning before the 4-hour interval. For the remaining 21 patients, the volume retrieved was 6.5 mL at the 2-hour interval and 7.5 mL at the 4-hour interval (P=.27). The 5 patients who required extra suctioning had significantly more secretions at the 2-hour interval (11.6 mL vs 6.5 mL; P=.05). Conclusions A minimum frequency of oropharyngeal suctioning every 4 hours is recommended. However, more frequent suctioning may be needed in a subset of patients. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2011;20:e141-e145)

    Journal Title

    American Journal of Critical Care

    Volume

    20

    Issue/Number

    6

    Publication Date

    1-1-2011

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    E141

    Last Page

    E145

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000296657500003

    ISSN

    1062-3264

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