Evaluating unplanned endotracheal extubations.

Unplanned extubation is a complication of endotracheal intubation that occurs despite close patient monitoring in the intensive care unit. The authors describe one method of analyzing unplanned extubations that critical care nurses can use to determine the quality of care provided. This method uses a data collection tool that focuses on incidence of unplanned extubation, structure, process and outcome as indicators of quality of care. This article will help you identify patient characteristics that determine if a particular patient population is at greater risk for unplanned extubations.