Nasal care in intensive care unit patients.

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 tendays 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.