The glucose error in arterial sampling: assessing staff awareness and the effect of sampling technique.

Background: Using a dextrose-containing solution, instead of normal saline, to maintain the patency of an arterial cannula results in the admixture of glucose in line samples. This can misguide the clinician down an inappropriate treatment pathway for hyperglycaemia.

Methods: Following a near-miss and subsequent educational and training efforts at our institution, we conducted two simulations: (1) to observe whether 20 staff would identify a 5% dextrose/0.

Unintentional endotracheal tube cuff deflation during routine checks: a simulation study.

Background: Endotracheal tube cuff pressures should be maintained between 20 and 30 cm H O to prevent the aspiration of subglottic secretions past the cuff. Guidance recommends regular monitoring of the cuff pressure, performed using a handheld manometer/inflator. Poor technique can lead to transient deflation of the cuff, leading to the bolus aspiration of upper respiratory tract secretions, tracheal colonization and, ultimately, ventilator-associated pneumonia.