The Effects of Endotracheal Suctioning and Invasive Interventions on Hemodynamic Parameters and Pain Behaviors in Adult Intensive Care Patients: Observational Study

• Published in: International journal of caring sciences 2024-04, Vol.17 (1), p.310-322
• Main Authors: Bozkurt, Mehmet Ali, Eroglu, Semiha Akin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analgesics; Behavior; Blood pressure; Catheters; Data collection; endotracheal suction; Hemodynamics; Intensive care; Mortality; Observational studies; Pain; Patients; Physiology; procedure; Researchers; Suctioning; Ventilators
• ISSN: 1791-5201; 1792-037X

Background: The prevention and treatment of pain may positively influence mechanical ventilation, physiological indicators and the use of analgesic drugs, and the mortality rate. Depending on invasive procedures, intubated patients experience varying levels of pain and may have various responses to pain. Aim; The present study aimed to define pain behaviors and hemodynamic parameters and to examine the effects of endotracheal suctioning and invasive procedures on hemodynamic parameters and pain behaviors in adult intensive care patients. Methods; The study was conducted using a descriptive-observational design. Each patient was observed during 1 suctioning and 2 different invasive procedures (3 observations). Researchers observed each patient during one suctioning procedure and 2 invasive procedures (intra-arterial catheter insertion, nasogastric tube application, subcutaneous injection, or intravenous catheter insertion). The pain behaviors and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated 4 times in total (before the procedure, during the procedure, 5 minutes, and 15 minutes after the procedure). The observation results were recorded. Results: Statistically significant differences were detected in hemodynamic parameters (i.e. blood pressure, pulse rate, saturation) observed before, during, and after the suctioning (p < .05). The sample consisted of 66 intubated patients treated at the intensive care unit. Behavioral Pain Scale scores increased during the suctioning and invasive procedures compared to pre-suctioning. Nasogastric tube insertion, intra-arterial catheter insertions, and intravenous injection applications were the most painful interventions, respectively. Concluson: The intensive care patients must be monitored closely for pain indicators and hemodynamic changes during invasive procedures. Especially nasogastric tube insertion and injection applications must be performed carefully.