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@article{202815,
        author = {Vikrant Kumar and Dr. K. Latha and Ms. Rajni Devi and Ms. Laxmi Kumari and Ms. Supriya Kumari and Mr. Vishal Kumar and Mr. Manjeet Kumar and Mr. Uttam Singh},
        title = {A study to evaluate the effectiveness of nurses led suctioning protocol on airway clearance among intubated patients admitted in NMCH Jamuhar.},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {10067-10073},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=202815},
        abstract = {Background of the Study
Endotracheal intubation in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is a life-saving procedure for patients with acute respiratory failure. However, it disrupts normal airway clearance, leading to secretion accumulation, atelectasis, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and hypoxemia. Inconsistent and non-standardized suctioning practices may further cause complications such as hypoxia, mucosal trauma, and ineffective secretion removal.

Aim of the Study
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led suctioning protocol on airway clearance among intubated patients admitted to the ICU of Narayan Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), Jamuhar, Bihar.

Objectives of the Study
The objectives were to compare pre-test and post-test airway clearance levels between study and control groups, evaluate the effectiveness of the nurse-led suctioning protocol, and determine the association between airway clearance and selected demographic and clinical variables.

Methodology
A true experimental pre-test post-test control group design was used. Thirty intubated patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours were selected, with 15 patients each in the study and control groups. The study group received a nurse-led suctioning protocol based on evidence-based practices, while the control group received routine care. Airway clearance was assessed using a structured checklist.


Results
Pre-test findings showed that most patients had mild to moderate airway clearance in both groups. After intervention, 93.3% of patients in the study group achieved effective airway clearance, compared to 13.3% in the control group. The mean airway clearance scores significantly increased from 35.4 ± 8.2 to 82.4 ± 5.5 in the study group (p < 0.001). Significant association was found with diagnosis and duration of mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion
The nurse-led suctioning protocol was effective in improving airway clearance among intubated patients. It supports standardized nursing practice and may help reduce complications such as VAP, atelectasis, and hypoxemia.},
        keywords = {Airway clearance, Endotracheal suctioning, Nurse-led suctioning protocol, Intubated patients, Mechanical ventilation, ICU.},
        month = {May},
        }