APPLICATION OF SUCTION AND CHEST PHYSIOTHERAPY TO MANAGE AIRWAY CLEARANCE IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE BRAIN INJURY IN THE ICU AT RSUD SAIFUL ANWAR

Background: Patients with severe brain injury often experience impaired airway clearance due to decreased consciousness, increasing the risk of secretion accumulation and respiratory complications. Suction and chest physiotherapy are essential interventions to maintain airway patency. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of suction and chest physiotherapy in managing ineffective airway clearance in patients with severe brain injury. Method: This study employed a case study design with a nursing care approach. Two male patients with a medical diagnosis of severe brain injury were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through direct observation, physical examination using the IPPA approach, and medical record review. Interventions included suction for 2–3 minutes (each suction lasting 10–15 seconds) and chest physiotherapy for 5 minutes, conducted over three consecutive days. Data were analyzed descriptively by comparing conditions before and after interventions, and results were interpreted in the context of nursing theory and previous research. Results: The application of suction and chest physiotherapy maintained airway patency, kept oxygen saturation within normal limits, and effectively controlled secretion accumulation. Although some secretions remained, the interventions prevented respiratory complications and supported patient respiratory function. Conclusion: Suction and chest physiotherapy are effective in managing airway clearance in patients with severe brain injury. Continuous nursing interventions are required due to patients’ limited ability to clear their airways independently. These findings highlight the crucial role of nursing care in maintaining airway patency and supporting the neurological prognosis of patients.