The authors compare institutional policies and procedures related to closed suctioning and airway management, and describe and compare practices of registered nurses and respiratory therapists concerning closed-system suctioning and airway management of intubated patients. Included is a look at the use of oral care and instillation of isotonic sodium chloride solution.

This pilot study was done to gather preliminary data and refine instruments and procedures for a large multisite study of Suctioning Techniques and Airway Management Practices (STAMP). The purposes of the STAMP study are to compare institutional policies and procedures related to closed suctioning and airway management, and to describe and compare practices of registered nurses and respiratory therapists concerning closed-system suctioning and airway management of intubated patients.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common infection in critical care units. Numerous risk factors for this infection have been identified. It commonly occurs as a result of aspiration of bacteria that...

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