The effects of open and closed suctioning systems on neonatal pain and vital signs in neonatal intensive care units

Background

Endotracheal suctioning is a procedure used by neonatal intensive care unit nurses to maximize oxygenation and clear airways of secretions, and is one of the most common painful procedures causing stress in intubated newborns.

Aim

This aim of this study is to compare the effects of open and closed endotracheal suctioning on pain, peak heart rate and oxygen saturation in neonates on mechanicalventilation.

Materials and methods

This experimental-design study was conducted on 30 newborns who were mechanically ventilated in the tertiary neonatal intensive care unit of a public hospital. First, closed suctioning and then open suctioning was performed on patients during the day. Pain, peak heart rate and oxygen saturation levels were evaluated before, during and 30 min after each suctioning procedure.

Results

Of the newborns included in the study, 53.3 % were male and 36.6 % were admitted to intensive care unit due to a heart defect. No statistically significant differences were found in pain, peak heart rate, or oxygen saturation between the open and closed suctioning methods. However, oxygen saturation levels during suctioning were lower compared to levels before and 30 min after the procedure. Additionally, peak heart rate was lower during suctioning compared to 30 min afterward.

Conclusions

The study concludes that there is no significant difference between open and closed suctioning techniques concerning pain, peak heart rate, and oxygen saturation.

Implications to practice

Given its sterility and ease of use, the closed suction method may be preferable in clinical settings.