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Page 2

Responses to questions regarding suctioning practices in the intensive care unit (ICU)

RN (n=83)RRT (n=87)P
Does your ICU have a suctioning protocol for intubated patients?
  Yes4960
  No30190.241
  Don’t know2121
Do you routinely suction mechanically ventilated patients with an artificial airway?
  Yes8687
  Sometimes100.590
  No1313
Do you routinely pre-oxygenate patients prior to suctioning?
  Yes60770.021
Most commonly used suction type
  Open110.973
  Closed (in-line suction catheters)9999
Does your ICU have a protocol for routine mouth care?
  Yes8499
  No100.003
  Don’t know151
Does your ICU have a protocol for daily checking of ETT cuff pressures?
  Yes9377
  No570.007
  Don’t know316
Are you aware of your unit’s VAP rate?
  Yes2960<0.0001
Does your ICU have a protocol relating to NSI prior to suctioning?
  Yes157
  No39530.098
  Don’t know4740