Nasal care in intensive care unit patients

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate nasal hygiene in intensive care patients and improve patient care using isotonic saline nasal spray. Material and methods: In the study group, over a period of ten days saline nasal spray was administered four times daily. Nasal treatment was not given to the control group. Each patient was examined with a flexible nasopharyngoscope before and after the treatment and a nasal culture was taken. Results: In the study group, the secretion score (1- absent; 2- serosal; 3- seropurulent and 4- purulent) mean value improved from 1.9 to 1.4. In the control group, the secretion score mean value had risen from 1.7 to 3.1. At the beginning of the study, there was no difference in secretion scores between the groups, but on the tenth day a statistically significant difference was found. Conclusion: The use of saline nasal spray in this group of intensive care patients was found to be effective in achieving nasal hygiene.