We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Normal saline instillation with endotracheal suctioning: primum non nocere (first do no harm).
- Authors
Blackwood, B
- Abstract
Normal saline instillation, in conjunction with endotracheal suctioning, is purported to be beneficial in removing thick and tenacious secretions for patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Guidelines for this routine procedure are inconsistent and its efficacy is unsupported by research-based evidence. This discussion paper highlights that the procedure produces no physiological benefits for the patient and, indeed, may have detrimental effects on the patient's psychological wellbeing. It is proposed that after 25 years of inconsistent practice in trying to remove thick and tenacious secretions, it is time to focus on techniques to prevent thick and tenacious secretions.
- Publication
Journal of advanced nursing, 1999, Vol 29, Issue 4, p928
- ISSN
0309-2402
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1046/j.1365-2648.1999.00977.x