Airway Management Education for Post-anesthesia Care Unit Nurses

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Erica Gums (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Linda Stone

Abstract: Background: Post-anesthesia care unit registered nurses care for vulnerable patients immediately after receiving anesthesia. These patients are at high risk for developing postoperative pulmonary complications and require skilled nursing care. Post-anesthesia care unit nurses should be knowledgeable and confident when caring for these patients and should possess the skills to assess, recognize, and intervene when postoperative pulmonary complications arise. Purpose: Provide education and simulation to post-anesthesia care unit nurses regarding basic airway management, including assessment skills and related interventions. Methods and Intervention: A pre-test assessing nurses’ perception of knowledge and self-efficacy was provided prior to an educational intervention that included a PowerPoint presentation and hands-on mannequin simulation in a 45-minute training period. The respiratory management education sessions were offered four times to meet the scheduling constraints for these nurses. Two weeks after the educational intervention, a post-test was administered to assess for improved perceived levels of knowledge and self-efficacy. Results: Registered Nurses reported in an increase in perceived self-efficacy with a pre-education survey average of 3.9 and a post-education survey average of 4.7. Perceived knowledge increased from an average of 3.7 to 4.6 with education and simulation. Recommendations and Conclusion: Registered Nurses benefit from receiving formal education and hands-on simulation on airway management in the PACU. This formal training improves nurses' perceived knowledge and self-efficacy. This education and simulation can be provided yearly and for newly hired nurses during the orientation process.

Additional Information

Publication
Other
Language: English
Date: 2023
Keywords
Post-anesthesia care unit, PACU, airway management, postoperative pulmonary complications

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