Management knowledge about balloon used in artificial airway and its performance behavior in ICU nurses

Objective To investigate the management knowledge about balloon used in artificial airway and its performance behavior in ICU nurses in order to provide reference for standard balloon management. Methods The balloon management knowledge and its performance behavior in ICU nurses were investigated with self-designed questionnaire. Results The score of balloon management knowledge was 2.44±1.11 for the 72 ICU nurses.The score of balloon management knowledge was significant higher for the nurses in RICU of Chinese PLA General Hospital than for those in RICU in South Building of Chinese PLA General Hospital（3.15±0.77 vs 1.78±0.97）.Multiple regression analysis showed that the score of balloon management knowledge was positively related with the years of nurses working in ICU and negatively related with their age,education level and professional title.Improper operation of balloon,especially in balloon pressure monitoring and posture,was existed in 72 ICU nurses.The methods of balloon inflation,balloon pressure monitoring,balloon cleaning and oropharynx suction were significantly different in different departments（P＜0.05）. Conclusion ICU nurses should improve their balloon management knowledge and standard operation behavior.It is necessaryr to strengthen communications between nurses in different departments and learn from each other’s strong points.