The effect of prone position on oxygen saturation, blood gas parameters and respiratory rate in intensive care patients developing ARDS due to COVID-19

Aim: This study was planned to determine the effect of prone position on oxygen saturation, blood gas parameters and respiratory rate in intensive care patients developed ARDS due to COVID-19. Material and Method: This study was conducted as a randomized experimental study with a six-measure time series control group. 45 control group (n=45) and 45 experimental group (n=45) patients who developed ARDS due to COVID-19 were included in the study. The experimental group was given the prone position for 30 minutes before starting the study. No intervention was applied to the control group patients. "Demographic Information Form" and "Saturation, Blood Gas Parameters and Respiration Rate forms" were used to collect data. The data were evaluated using the Statistical Package For Social Science 25.0 program. Results: Age (p>.05) and gender characteristics (p>.05) of the patients included in the study were found to be homogeneous. It was determined that the oxygen saturation averages of the patients in the experimental group who were applied the prone position were higher. When the blood gas parameters were examined, it was determined that the SaO2, PO2 values of the patients who were applied prone position were higher and their PCO2 averages were lower. In addition, it was determined that the pH values of the patients in the experimental group were more stable and closer to the reference range. It was determined that there was no change in Sodium and Lactate values. When the respiratory rate was examined, it was found that the respiratory rate of the patients in the prone position was lower and closer to the reference range and respiratory workload decreased. Conclusion: It was observed that oxygen saturation, arterial blood gas values and respiratory rate were positively affected in patients given prone position. It is recommended that the prone position should be given to patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 in intensive care units. Keywords: ARDS, COVID-19, Nursing, Blood Gas Values, Prone Position,