Extubation OR Decannulation (Assist)
Extubation OR Decannulation (Assist)
Extubation OR Decannulation (Assist)
Extubation/Decannulation (Assist)
Kirsten N. S killings and Bonnie L. Curtis
PURPOSE:
The purpose of extubation and decannulation is to remove the artificial airway to allow the patient to breathe
independently.
EQUIPMENT
• Suctioning equipment
• Personal protective equipment
• Sterile suction catheter or suction kit
• Self-inflating manual resuscitation bag-valve-device connected to 100% oxygen source
• Oxygen source and tubing
• Scissors
• Supplemental oxygen with aerosol
• 10-mL syringe
• Rigid pharyngeal suction-tip (Yankauer) catheter
• Sterile dressing for tracheal stoma
Additional equipment, to have available as needed, includes the following:
• Endotracheal intubation supplies
• Emergency cart
Patient Preparation
• Verify correct patient with two identifiers. Rationale: Prior to performing a procedure, the nurse should ensure the
correct identification of the patient for the intended intervention.
• Ensure that the patient understands preprocedural teachings. Answer questions as they arise, and reinforce
information as needed. Rationale: This process evaluates and reinforces understanding of previously taught
information.
• Place the patient in a semi-Fowler’s position. Rationale: Respiratory muscles are more effective in an upright
position versus a supine position. This position facilitates coughing and minimizes the risk of vomiting and
consequent aspiration.
Procedure for Assisting with Extubation and Decannulation
References
1. O’Meade, M, Guyatt, G, Cook, D, Weaning from mechanical ventilation. the evidence from clinical research.
Respir Care 2001; 12:78–83.
2. Pierce, L, Airway maintenance. In Management of the mechanically ventilated patient. ed 2. Saunders, St Louis,
2007.
3. Scales, K, Pilsworth, J. A practical guide to extubation. Nurs Stand. 2007; 22(2):44–48.
4. St John, RE, Seckel, MA, Airway managementBurns SM, ed.. AACN protocols for practice . care of mechanically
ventilated patients. ed 2. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, MA, 2007:1–57.
5. Twibel, R, Siela, D, Mahmoodi, M. Subjective perceptions in physiological variables during weaning from
mechanical ventilation. Am J Crit Care. 2003; 12:12–101.
Additional Readings
Americ an Assoc iation for Respiratory Care, Clinic al prac tic e guideline. removal of the endotrac heal tube. Respir Care. 2007; 52(1):81–93.
Burns, S M, Weaning from mec hanic al ventilationBurns S M, ed.. AACN protoc ols for prac tic e. c are of mec hanic ally ventilated patients. ed 2. Jones and Bartlett
Publishers, S udbury, MA, 2007:97–160.
Ead, H, Post anesthesia trac heal extubation . CACCN. 2004; 15(3):20–25.
Henneman, E. Liberating patients from mec hanic al ventilation. a team approac h. Crit Care Nurse 2001; 21:25–33.
This proc edure should be performed only by physic ians, advanc ed prac tic e nurses, and other healthc are professionals (inc luding c ritic al c are nurses)
with additional knowledge, skills, and demonstrated c ompetenc e per professional lic ensure or institutional standard.