Effect of Body Position on Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure among Mechanically Ventilated Patients in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) often require mechanical ventilation as a part of their treatment. They require intubation with an Endotracheal Tube (ETT) to provide an artificial airway. Endotracheal tube cuff pressure should be maintained between (20-30cm) of water (cmH2O), the optimal pressure to prevent air leaks and aspiration. A descriptive observational study design was adopted, and a quantitative research design recruited 34 subjects using a purposive sampling technique. In this current study, there were more Males than females, with a mean age group of 39±59 years. Status for ETT cuff pressure was in a Sedated and paralyzed state. (58.8%) The Duration was 6-10 days on a ventilator. Most patients (38.2%) were indicated for intubation due to low GCS compared to others. Dorsal recumbent (baseline position) was compared with each position, such as supine, left lateral, right lateral, and Prostate. Pair 1, Dorsal recumbent to supine, shows a statistically significant change at p-value =0.003, and pair 3, Dorsal recumbent to Left lateral, shows a statistically significant change at p value=0.003. The current study's results indicate a change in ETT cuff pressure and body position on endotracheal tube cuff pressure among mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit.