Learning Objective #1: State the incidence, predisposing risk factors, and associated complications of unplanned extubation (UE) in critically ill adults

Learning Objective #2: Describe research-based strategies for preventing UE

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Unplanned extubation (UE) can be a devastating event for critically ill patients, with potentially life threatening complications including airway trauma, bronchospasm, severe hypoxemia, and cardiac arrest. It can generate increased ventilator days, leading to excessive resource use for patients, and increased risk of litigation for healthcare professionals. Methods cited in the literature to protect against UE include education, quality improvement processes, sedation protocols, physical restraints, and tube securing methods. This session will provide a summary of the research for methods of preventing UE using an evidence-based practice framework.