Effect of different positions on endotracheal cuff pressure in mechanically ventilated patients / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To measure endotracheal cuff pressure in different positions for mechanically ventilated patients, to provide clinical evidence in choosing suitable body position and measuring time. Methods A total of 40 orally intubated and sedated patients were positioned in a neutral starting position (30°of semirecumbent position)with cuff pressure at 25 cmH2O(1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa),then 6 changes in position were performed45°of semirecumbent position,and left and right lateral positioning over 30°and 45°, horizontal position. Once a patient was correctly positioned, cuff pressure was measured and recorded. Results The cuff pressure of different position were 30°of semi recumbent position (25 cmH2O, 45°of semi recumbent position (28.55 ± 5.41) cmH2O, 30°of left lateral position (31.43±7.42)cmH2O,45°of left lateral position(32.20±6.85)cmH2O,30°of right lateral position(29.43± 5.84)cmH2O,45°of right lateral position(29.20±6.42)cmH2O,horizontal position(27.15±4.05)cmH2O. The cuff pressure of semi recumbent position at 30°and horizontal position was no statistical significance in the difference (t=-1.70, P=0.09), but horizontal position had 8 patients' cuff pressure more than 30 cmH2O. The cuff pressure of semi recumbent position at 30°was significantly lower than those of semi recumbent position at 45°,left and right lateral position(t=-5.71-3.33,P<0.01).When the cuff pressure of 30°of semi recumbent position was 25 cmH2O, the other body positions had some patients' cuff pressure more than 30 cmH2O. Conclusions Changing body position can affect the endotracheal tube cuff pressure,suggesting that endotracheal tube cuff pressure should be measured after changing patient's position and adjusted within the recommended range.