Can critical care nurses estimate fluid volumes with accuracy

All nurses felt their patients required suctioning between 1 and 3 hourly, with 17 performing it 2-3 hourly. Twenty criteria were used in determining suctioning requirements, of which 9 related to frequency. Eleven related to recognising the need for immediate suction, and were concerned with changes in the patient's condition. Common significant changes included desaturation, haemodynamic changes, loss of colour and blood gas changes. No one criteria was identified by all nurses. No differences were found between experienced and less experienced nurses.