Relationship between knowledge and clinical practice in the performance of endotracheal suctioning

Abstract

The relationship between practice and nursing knowledge in the clinical skill of endotracheal suctioning of intubated patients was examined. A sample of 34 Registered Nurses were observed in the clinical practice of endotracheal suctioning. An Observation Tool provided a rating of the skill components. The Knowledge Tool provided assessment of skill related knowledge. Knowledge data were returned by 17 of the sample. The Observation Tool mean score was 6.1 (SD=l.2), total possible score 10. The Knowledge Questionnaire mean score was 9.2 (SD=l.6), total possible score 12. Chi Square analyses examined the relationship between the specific knowledge items and actual demonstrated practice. The findings demonstrated nurses' performance of endotracheal suctioning was inconsistent with published guidelines, and knowledge and skill were not congruent.