I need help- Evidence Based Nursing Intervention/Practice

The usage of saline bullets for suctioning. Because of studies, it is rarely done anymore. It most likely doesn't cause harm, but it certainly doesn't break up mucus as had been previously thought. I still see nurses doing it though.

What is a saline bullet? I have just begun my clinicals as a nursing student and we are doing a simulation on tracheostomy suctioning. One of our questions is about the use of saline bullets for mucus plugs.

Kim

What is a saline bullet? I have just begun my clinicals as a nursing student and we are doing a simulation on tracheostomy suctioning. One of our questions is about the use of saline bullets for mucus plugs.

Kim

A saline bullet is a little squirty bulb of saline. You squeeze it down the trach and then suction it back out. Depending who you ask, you get rationale for either side.

Older thought is that it would liquify secretions, making them easier to suction. Like drinking fluids would. Newer though is that it doesn't do that and you're causing aspiration. I don't do it and our policy doesn't allow for it.

another topic could be wet to dry dressings, foley usage.

Thank you so much for the response. I am almost through my first semester and I am so overwelmed right now. I think I have cried more in the last few months than I have in the last year. I knew it wouldn't be easy.

Again thank you

I have a question... is the decision to use saline bullets for suctioning up to the nurse or does it have to be per MD order?

Thanks!!