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The effects of suctioning and ambu-bagging on the partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood
Eales CJ
South African Journal of Physiotherapy 1989;45(2):53-55
clinical trial
2/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: No; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

Ambubagging and suctioning were studied in mechanically ventilated patients to assess the effects these had on the partial pressures of O2 and CO2 in the arterial blood. No significant fall in PaCO2 was noted in either of the treatment groups. In the group that was suctioned until they were clinically clear of tracheobronchial secretions, irrespective of the number of times they were suctioned, there was a highly significant drop in PaO2 (p < 0.01). Physiotherapists should thus be aware of the marked drop of PaO2 during prolonged suctioning and the potential dangers associated with this drop.

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