{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Cuff pressure monitoring by manual palpation in intubated patients: How accurate is it? A manikin simulation study.
{Author}: Giusti GD;Rogari C;Gili A;Nisi F;
{Journal}: Aust Crit Care
{Volume}: 30
{Issue}: 4
{Year}: Jul 2017
{Factor}: 3.265
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.aucc.2016.10.001
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Endotracheal intubation (ETI) for mechanical ventilation has a central role in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). ETI is one of the main risk factors for the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) as its presence reduces the natural defences of the upper airway and allows the micro-suction of secretions in the airways. In order to minimise such complications, it is fundamental to maintain a suitable pressure inside the tube cuff.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of palpation method, performed with the operators fingers, for detecting the tube cuff pressure.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The study was performed using a manikin to test the pressure of the ETT cuff, on a sample constituted by nurses employed in three Italian ICU from two different Umbrian hospitals. From a total of 68 participants, detection by palpation method revealed to be not correct in 68% of cases; in particular, only 10% of respondents can correctly detect a pressure in the recommended range (20-30cmH2O) using palpation. Moreover it was possible to highlight that the participation in emergency courses has a positive effect on the correct measurement of cuff pressure using the palpation method (V=0.501).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The study, in agreement with the literature, confirms the thesis that the palpation method is inadequate to determine an estimate of the pressure existing inside the cuff.