Biomaterial Database

Normal saline instillation with endotracheal suctioning: primum non nocere (first do no harm). 1999

B Blackwood

School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. b.blackwood@qub.ac.uk

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.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007322	Instillation, Drug	The administration of therapeutic agents drop by drop, as eye drops, ear drops, or nose drops. It is also administered into a body space or cavity through a catheter. It differs from THERAPEUTIC IRRIGATION in that the irrigate is removed within minutes, but the instillate is left in place.	Drug Instillation,Drug Instillations,Instillations, Drug
D007442	Intubation, Intratracheal	A procedure involving placement of a tube into the trachea through the mouth or nose in order to provide a patient with oxygen and anesthesia.	Intubation, Endotracheal,Endotracheal Intubation,Endotracheal Intubations,Intratracheal Intubation,Intratracheal Intubations,Intubations, Endotracheal,Intubations, Intratracheal
D012121	Respiration, Artificial	Any method of artificial breathing that employs mechanical or non-mechanical means to force the air into and out of the lungs. Artificial respiration or ventilation is used in individuals who have stopped breathing or have RESPIRATORY INSUFFICIENCY to increase their intake of oxygen (O2) and excretion of carbon dioxide (CO2).	Ventilation, Mechanical,Mechanical Ventilation,Artificial Respiration,Artificial Respirations,Mechanical Ventilations,Respirations, Artificial,Ventilations, Mechanical
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012965	Sodium Chloride	A ubiquitous sodium salt that is commonly used to season food.	Sodium Chloride, (22)Na,Sodium Chloride, (24)NaCl
D013396	Suction	The removal of secretions, gas or fluid from hollow or tubular organs or cavities by means of a tube and a device that acts on negative pressure.	Aspiration, Mechanical,Drainage, Suction,Aspirations, Mechanical,Drainages, Suction,Mechanical Aspiration,Mechanical Aspirations,Suction Drainage,Suction Drainages,Suctions