Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Since hospitalized patients intubated in the intensive care unit are not able to discharge secretions and require periodic suctioning and require periodic suctioning that is associated with different adverse effects, this study aimed to compare the effects of open endotracheal suction with two catheter sizes of 12 and 14 on the levels of pain and discharge in patients admitted to intensive care.

Methods: In this clinical trial, 36 patients in one group underwent suction with catheters of two sizes, 12 and 14. Pain level in the first to third episodes, was assessed based on the CPOT criteria. The secretions output after the suctioning was collected in wing container and weighed on scales. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and analysis of variance.

Results: In this study, pain during suctioning in the third episode, had the highest score, which was significantly different between large and small catheters (p=0.000). The secretion drainage after suctioning by large catheter was more and significantly statistically different (p=0.000).

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, in patients with high pulmonary secretions, larger suction catheter is recommended to facilitate the discharge, but on the other hand, due to feeling pain caused by large catheter, use of small catheter is recommended for better control of intracranial pressure and pain levels.