Abstract

PURPOSE
This retrospective study was designed to examine the frequency of unplanned extubation, and to identify the related factors of unplanned extubation in medical intensive care unit patients.
METHODS
Data were collected from medical records of patients who received intubation in a medical intensive care unit. One hundred eighteen patient charts were selected for the study. The Patient Severity Classification Scale and unplanned extubation risk factors were examined. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi2-test, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test.
RESULTS
The incidence of unplanned extubation was 11 (9.32%) out of 118 patients who had undergone intubation. There were statistically significant differences between the unplanned extubation and work shift (chi2=61.52, p=.001), ventilation mode (p=.001), number of days of ventilator application (U=366.00, p=.038) and administration of sedatives (p=.025).
CONCLUSION
Unplanned extubation is affected by the following variables: a) whether a nurse is in night shift, b) whether ventilation is mandatory, c) duration of ventilation use and d) administration of sedatives.