Mol D A, De Villiers G Du T, Claassen A J, Joubert G
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.
S Afr J Surg. 2004 Feb;42(1):14-6.
There is an apparent high incidence of tracheal stenosis in the Bloemfontein area. The aim of this study was to determine intensive care unit (ICU) staff knowledge of the use and care of endotracheal and tracheostomy tube cuffs.
One hundred and twelve qualified nurses, working in 11 different ICUs, were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire regarding endotracheal/tracheostomy tube cuffs.
The results highlight the following three areas of concern: (i) there was an overall misconception in 38% of the respondents that the function of the cuff was to secure the tube in position in the trachea to prevent self-extubation; (ii) accurate regulation of cuff pressure was not routine practice in any of the ICUs; and (iii) only half of the respondents felt their training regarding cuff care management was sufficient.
ICU staff had misconceptions regarding the function and care of endotracheal/tracheostomy tube cuffs. The concept of a higher cuff pressure for better stabilisation of the tube is probably an important factor that could have caused the increase in tracheal stenosis in the Bloemfontein area. Critical care nursing needs to emphasise the use of current techniques, discourage routine cuff deflation, and encourage collaboration with ICU physicians on standards of care. A protocol that could be used in the ICUs regarding the use and care of an endotracheal/tracheostomy tube cuff is proposed.
布隆方丹地区气管狭窄的发病率明显较高。本研究的目的是确定重症监护病房（ICU）工作人员关于气管内导管和气管造口管套囊使用及护理的知识水平。
邀请在11个不同ICU工作的112名合格护士填写一份关于气管内/气管造口管套囊的匿名问卷。
结果突出了以下三个令人担忧的方面：（i）38%的受访者普遍存在误解，认为套囊的功能是将导管固定在气管内以防止自行拔管；（ii）在任何一个ICU中，准确调节套囊压力都不是常规做法；（iii）只有一半的受访者认为他们接受的套囊护理管理培训足够。
ICU工作人员对气管内/气管造口管套囊的功能和护理存在误解。为更好地固定导管而采用较高套囊压力的观念可能是导致布隆方丹地区气管狭窄增加的一个重要因素。重症护理需要强调采用当前技术，不鼓励常规放气套囊，并鼓励与ICU医生就护理标准进行协作。提出了一个可在ICU中使用的关于气管内/气管造口管套囊使用及护理的方案。
