Endotracheal aspiration
The aim of endotracheal aspiration is to eliminate secretions in patients with an artificial airway. All children with mechanical ventilation must undergo this procedure periodically. The frequency of aspiration depends on the type and quantity of the respiratory secretions and on the patient's clinical status.
The ideal head height should be 45 degrees during and after endotracheal aspiration in regard to maintaining cerebral oxygenation in neurosurgery intensive care patients. It is extremely important to monitor the cerebral oxygenation status of patients, with non-invasive measurement tools during and after endotracheal aspiration, to prevent secondary complications.
This study reveals the importance of raising the head 45 degrees in the best preservation of cerebral oxygenation values in neurosurgery intensive care patients. Intensive care nurses should pay attention to maintaining this head height 1).
Performing 6 or more endotracheal tube suction events during the 24 hours before extubation is a risk factor for extubation failure in neurosurgical patients 2).