Endotracheal Suctioning in ICU Patients: A Narrative Review of Pain, Physiological Responses, and Quran-Based Spiritual Interventions
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Objective: Endotracheal suctioning is a critical procedure for mechanically ventilated patients; however, it is frequently associated with significant pain and physiological instability.
Methods and Materials: This review aims to synthesize existing evidence regarding the impact of endotracheal suctioning on pain intensity and hemodynamic parameters in adult ICU patients, and to explore the potential role of Quran-based spiritual interventions in alleviating these responses. A narrative review was conducted using a comprehensive search strategy. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for quantitative studies published between 2020 and 2025.
Findings: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review indicates that endotracheal suctioning consistently triggers immediate increases in pain scores and hemodynamic fluctuations (e.g., increased heart rate and blood pressure). Regarding the intervention, studies utilizing Quran recitation demonstrated potential benefits in modulating pain perception and promoting hemodynamic stability compared to control groups. However, the reviewed evidence is heterogeneous, varying significantly in study design and sample size.
Conclusion: Quran-based spiritual interventions appear to be a promising, safe, and culturally congruent adjunctive strategy for managing procedural pain in ICU settings. Further robust clinical trials are recommended to confirm these effects before routine implementation.
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