Knowledge and Management of Tracheal Tube Cuffs Among ICU Nurses in Korea / 성인간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to determine knowledge and management of tracheal tube cuffs among nurses of ICU. METHODS: This descriptive survey recruited 150 nurses working at 8 different adult ICUs within 2 tertiary hospitals in Seoul. A survey questionnaire was developed to measure cuff management. The internal reliability of the tool was examined by Cronbach's alpha Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Among the 150 nurses, 94.0% replied that they would measure the pressure themselves. With regard to nurses' knowledge about tracheal tube cuffs, only 6% answered that they knew 'the appropriate cuff pressure'. The existence of a measuring device (p < .001), a guideline (p < .001), the level of knowledge on its related complications(p = .003), and clinical experience (p < .001) together accounted for 35.0% of the total variation in cuff management. They pointed out that the lack of time and the lack of education were major barriers to appropriate management; whereas education update was the most imperative factor for good management. CONCLUSION: ICU nurses have inappropriate knowledge and practice in cuff management. Therefore continuing education is necessary for better practice of tracheal tube cuff management.