Capnography Monitoring In The PACU: Improving Patient Safety Through Education

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Robert Mueller (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Advisor

Stacey Schlesinger

Abstract: Background: The prompt recognition of respiratory depression is a basic element of postoperative nursing care. Despite the routine use of pulse oximetry and respiratory rate monitoring, detection of respiratory depression is often delayed until oxygen desaturation occurs. Capnography monitoring can detect respiratory depression more quickly and accurately, particularly in the presence of supplemental oxygen delivery. Methods: This quality improvement project utilized a pre-post design to measure utilization of capnography monitoring and acquired knowledge by postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses following an educational intervention. Results: The utilization of capnography monitoring increased from 0.38% pre-intervention to 1.3% post-intervention (p=0.02). Average postanesthesia nurse knowledge scores increased from 5.09 to 5.39 (p=0.26). Conclusion: Capnography monitoring education led to a statistically significant increase in utilization of capnography monitoring in postoperative patients. Capnography monitoring education did not, however, lead to a statistically significant increase in nurse’s knowledge. Future efforts to increase utilization of capnography monitoring should address barriers to implementation and extend education to all postanesthesia care unit nursing staff.

Capnography Monitoring In The PACU: Improving Patient Safety Through Education
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Created on 6/27/2024
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Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2024

Keywords

capnography, end tidal carbon dioxide, post anesthesia care unit, respiratory depression, hypoventilation, safety

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