Effects of Normal Saline Instillation on
Intracranial Pressure
Intracranial pressure is increased during endotracheal
suctioning and may be dangerous to patients, particularly
those with head injuries. Combining the suctioning
procedure with the use of instillation of normal saline
may further compromise the patient’s hemodynamics. It
stimulates the patient’s cough response, which can cause
a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure and oxygen
saturation. In addition, it affects the cardiac status by
increasing heart rate and blood pressure.9