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Determining Standard Criteria For Endotracheal Suctioning In The Paediatric Intensive Care Patient: An Exploratory Study [Thesis], Kylie Davies

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Endotracheal tube (ETT) suction is a common nursing procedure within the paediatric intensive care (PIC) setting. Significant side effects associated with this procedure can dramatically affect the stability of the critically ill ventilated paediatric patient. A comprehensive literature review failed to establish clear standards for determining when the procedure is warranted, especially in the paediatric population. This can present difficulty for the inexperienced paediatric intensive care nurse when assessing a patient's need for ETT suction. The aim of the research was to design an evidence based endotracheal suction assessment tool (ESAT) for use by nurses caring for paediatric patients. The …