J Pediatr Intensive Care 2015; 04(02): 056-063
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1556747
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Endotracheal Suctioning of the Critically Ill Child

Lyvonne N. Tume
1   Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
2   The School of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
,
Beverley Copnell
3   School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

20 October 2014

18 November 2014

Publication Date:
28 August 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Endotracheal suctioning is an essential intervention for the care of an intubated child and is one of the most commonly performed interventions in pediatric intensive care. Despite this, much of the research related to endotracheal suctioning is dated and the bulk of it conducted in preterm infants and adults. This paper will review research related to endotracheal suctioning that involves or relates to children in intensive care to provide a current review of the literature in this field. It will conclude with recommendations for practice where possible and identify areas for further research.