MELO, Elizabeth Mesquita et al. Nursing care of hospitalised patients receiving mechanical ventilation in intensive care units. []. , serIV, 1, pp.55-63. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIII1316.

Theoretical framework: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a widely used intervention for patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Aim: To assess the care provided by the nursing team to hospitalised patients receiving MV in the ICU. Methodology: An exploratory descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, was conducted on a sample of 58 nurses at a public hospital in Fortaleza-Ceará. Data were collected from August to October 2012, organised using Microsoft Excel and statistically analysed. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the institution. Results: 87.93% of participants washed their hands before procedures; 93.10% monitored fluid balance and breathing pattern; 37.93% performed oral hygiene every 12 hours; 87.93% performed tracheal suction at any time, and 68.97% used aseptic technique; 39.66% always checked cuff pressure; 82.76% always checked mechanical ventilator alarms, and 70.69% sought the cause of the problem; 65.52% always checked water level in the humidifier, and 48.28% examined the temperature. Tube fixation was replaced by 39.65% of participants every 12 hours, and 56.90% always changed the tube position. Main difficulties were: lack of knowledge, opportunity, time and safety while handling the mechanical ventilator. Conclusion: Considering the importance of the abovementioned care, team qualification is essential, thus contributing to patients’ clinical improvement.

: nursing care; artificial respiration; intensive care units.

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