Reasons for an unplanned extubation

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 13, 2019

Because they are small babie. The difference between the tube being "in" and "out" is really small and the tubes aren't cuffed. Those 2 facts alone are sufficient to make unplanned extubations an inherent aspect of the NICU experience. We can try to reduce the incidence/frequency, but expecting perfection is not realistic.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Sep 13, 2019

5 hours ago, leopardprintnurse said:
why you think a NICU patient experienced an unplanned extubation on your unit?

NICU babies are evil?. They wait until you leave their room, then slobber all over the tape to loosen it up and pull on their tube.

prmenrs, RN · Sep 17, 2019

Visualize the length of the trachea below the cords. How much wiggling would it take to maneuver the ET tube out? Some babies are even strong enough to "tongue" it out.

Part of your assessment is how slobbery the tape and tube junction are. If it's precarious, snag a RCP to help you clean up and retape it. That will save you a lot of hassle should the kiddo slip out of their breathing apparatus. Some kids even manage to get their hands on the tube and p-u-l-l. Like Pooh Bear and the honey pot? And, since doing this hurts, they scream as loud as they can [while intubated].

Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2019

The previous shift left the babe on it's abdomen,he slobbered all over a secure tape and when we turned him over , ...voila ,the tube slipped right out smoothly, cpap was handy so we proceeded to remain on cpap.