Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this research was to determine knowledge and management of tracheal tube cuffs among nurses of ICU.
METHODS
This descriptive survey recruited 150 nurses working at 8 different adult ICUs within 2 tertiary hospitals in Seoul. A survey questionnaire was developed to measure cuff management. The internal reliability of the tool was examined by Cronbach's alpha Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were used to analyze data.
RESULTS
Among the 150 nurses, 94.0% replied that they would measure the pressure themselves. With regard to nurses' knowledge about tracheal tube cuffs, only 6% answered that they knew 'the appropriate cuff pressure'. The existence of a measuring device (p < .001), a guideline (p < .001), the level of knowledge on its related complications(p = .003), and clinical experience (p < .001) together accounted for 35.0% of the total variation in cuff management. They pointed out that the lack of time and the lack of education were major barriers to appropriate management; whereas education update was the most imperative factor for good management.
CONCLUSION
ICU nurses have inappropriate knowledge and practice in cuff management. Therefore continuing education is necessary for better practice of tracheal tube cuff management.

• Keywords: Intensive care unit; Tracheal tube; Cuffs; Knowledge; Management