ICU Nurses' Knowledge and Attitude about Endotracheal Suctioning of Mechanically Ventilated Patients with Artificial Airways

Objective:To investigate the knowledge and attitude of the nurses in ICU about endotracheal suctioning of intubated adult patients,and to analyze the relationship between the knowledge and the attitude.Methods:A cross-section investigation was conducted among 148 ICU nurses from 8 Third-Grade Class A hospitals in Beijing to obtain their knowledge and attitude about endotracheal suctioning of the intubated adult patients by a self-designed questionnaire.Results:①The average score of knowledge was 51.55±18.21 and 73.7% nurses'scores were lower than 60;The knowledge scores of the nurses who worked in ICU more than 5 years were obviously higher than those of nurses who worked in ICU less than 1 year(P0.05).②The average score of knowledge was 88.08±7.27.The attitude scores of the nurses over 30 or who worked more than 10 years were obviously higher than those of others(P0.05);③There was no significantly correlation between the scores of knowledge and their attitude(r=0.077,P=0.351).Conclusion:We should give proper guidance to nurses' active manner,strengthen their continuing education about endotracheal suctioning to ensure them obtain comprehensive knowledge and then reinforce their practice and promote nursing quality.