I worked in the Middle east with european nurses. I was told by more than one RN who are forbidden to instill in their country, that they have to change out ETT's due to plugging on a fairly frequent basis. I don't know about you but in nearly 20 years i don't recall needing to retube due to a plugged tube. So I ask which is worse instill prn as needed or reintubating? I agree with RT JOHN saline does not thin, but jars the secretion loose. Next time you don't get much(and you know it's there) with suctioning try the following; increase you VT(during suctioning) and instill, bet you get something if not tons. Also, instilling and lavage with bronch are not 100% comparable, one goes through the ETT and one doesn't. There is a time to instill. Should it be done with every suction, probably not, but it should be done on regular intervals(in my opinion).
GJThis message has been edited. Last edited by: GJ,RRT,
Chris Hanson RN, RRT-NPS, CPFT, AE-C ER Registered Nurse Grand Junction, Colorado
November 30, 2006, 05:40 PM
<jodot>
each patient situation should be evaluated and levage/sx or not levage/sx as indicated. as a therapist in the feild for more than 20 years I can tell you that levage/sx can be indicated and beneficial.
November 30, 2006, 05:42 PM
<jodot>
quote:
Originally posted by jodot: each patient situation should be evaluated and lavage/sx or not lavage/sx as indicated. as a therapist in the field for more than 20 years I can tell you that levage/sx can be indicated and beneficial.