title: A review of normal saline instillation: implications for practice.
abstract: Nurses commonly use normal saline instillation (NSI) as a component of the suctioning procedure. The current research on NSI has not clearly identified many positive aspects of the procedure. Much of the research suggests it may actually be harmful. There has been little investigation into the reasons NSI is used. It is presumed that NSI is used to increase secretion removal when patients have thick endotracheal secretions due to inadequate humidity to the airway. Nurses need to be aware of the potential negative effects of routine NSI as well as alternative methods for maintaining adequate airway humidification.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Ackerman
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Ecklund
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abu-Jumah
mesh_terms: D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017053:Infection Control; D007322:Instillation, Drug; D017283:Neonatal Nursing; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*
chemical_list: D012965:Sodium Chloride