Effects of manual chest wall vibration on total daily expectoration of airway secretions and lung collapse among patients with atelectasis

Background For many patients with atelectasis, retention of secretions and altered gaseous exchange may occur, thereby adversely affecting the patient’s respiratory status. If this continues over time, the secretions retained may damage the cilia and interfere with mucous production, leading to atelectasis (collapse of the alveoli) and infection. The research aimed to examine the effect of manual chest wall vibration (MCWV) on total daily expectoration of airway secretions and lung collapse among patients with atelectasis. Research design A randomized clinical trial study was utilized. Setting The research was carried out at the Respiratory ICU in Ain Shams University Specialized Hospital. Patients A total of 60 consecutive patients were randomly assigned equally to study and control groups. The study group was subjected to receive MCWV plus routine positioning care, while the control group was subjected to received routine positioning care only. The tools used included demographic and clinical data sheet, patient observation sheet, Marianjoy five-Point secretion scale level, and lung collapse index. Results The result have shown that expectoration of secretions has improved in the study group, compared with the control group on the third and fourth days of study, with a statistically significant difference. Conclusion and recommendations It can be concluded that MCWV significantly increases the total daily expectoration of airway secretions, improves arterial oxygenation partial pressure of arterial Oxygen (PaO 2 ), and reduces lung collapse. Developing and implementing collaborative, research-based policies and procedures to ensure best practices for intubated patients to help nurses adhere strictly to recommended guidelines for chest vibration technique.