Anesthesiology Commons^™

Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ Perception Of Simulation As A Positive Reinforcement To Classroom Lecture In Handling A Difficult Airway, Kayla Forbis

Doctoral Projects

The management of a difficult airway by anesthesia providers is a core component of providing safe care. Simulation provides an opportunity for the student to manage uncommon clinical scenarios without harm to an actual patient. This project aimed to determine if the use of simulation may be useful in training Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist in the management skills of a difficult airway. The proposed intervention of this project was the addition of simulation experience to didactic lecture covering difficult airway management techniques. As supported in the Adult Learning Principles of Medical Learners, by allowing the SRNA to actively participate in …

Best Practice Policy Recommendation For Neuraxial Anesthesia Skin Antiseptic Solutions, Kyle Adams

Doctoral Projects

A clinical affiliate hospital in Mississippi lacked a best practice clinical policy regarding the most appropriate skin preparation solution to use prior to neuraxial anesthesia. The evidence showed that alcoholic chlorhexidine is the optimal solution due to advanced characteristics which help reduce infection. Reducing infections can potentially reduce further complications for the patient, hospitalization length, and cost. Also, chlorhexidine was found safe to use for neuraxial anesthesia if cross-contamination is avoided and adequate drying time is allowed. Lastly, alcoholic povidone-iodine is an appropriate alternate if 0.5% chlorhexidine is unavailable.

A best practice clinical policy was formulated and presented to a …

An Evaluation Of Implementing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol Throughout The Perioperative Phase: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Enhance Patient Outcomes After Colorectal Surgery, Jerica Hill Dnp

Doctoral Projects

Abstract: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol (ERAS) is a multimodal collaborative approach implemented throughout the perioperative phase to enhance patient outcomes. The key mechanism for effectiveness in the ERAS protocol is the attenuation of the surgical stress response combined with treatments that support the return of functions that delay recovery in traditional methods. The purpose of this scholarly project was to evaluate the results of the ERAS Pilot program currently initiated at Baptist Memorial Hospital to improve patient outcomes undergoing major abdominal surgery. Prior to the implementation of the ERAS protocol there was no standardized method in place at …

Laryngeal Mask Airway: A Postoperative Sore Throat Clinical Practice Guideline, Logan Williams

Doctoral Projects

One of the most common and preventable complications experienced by patients undergoing general anesthesia is a postoperative sore throat (POST). Up to 70% of patients who receive a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) during anesthesia suffer from POST. Despite its regular occurrence and designation as a minor complication, POST has proven to be a distressing complication for patients afflicted. Consequently, a perceived minor complication can, in fact, play a major role in a patient’s perception of their care, the skill of their anesthesia provider, and their overall satisfaction with their experience.

Evidence shows that inflation of LMA cuffs beyond the recommended …

Implementation Of A Sustainable Peer Mentor Program In Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (Srnas)”, Kristin Cox

Doctoral Projects

Evidence has shown that Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist’s (SRNAs) stress is perceived as above average and is correlated with substandard patient care during clinical courses (Chipas et al., 2012). Some studies have indicated SRNAs experience low self-efficacy during clinical, which could lead to difficulty in thinking clearly or responding to clinical situations (Imus, Burns, & Weglarz, 2017). Peer mentoring has shown to result in stress reduction and improvement in self-efficacy in students (Barker et al., 2012; Giordana & Wedin, 2010). Despite the current evidence, a nurse anesthesia program in the southeastern United States did not have an organized peer mentor …

Continuous Epidural Analgesia For Postoperative Pain Management: A Policy Analysis, Madison Nowell

Doctoral Projects

Postoperative pain management is a necessary component of the care of every surgical patient. Epidural analgesia is a widely used method to provide excellent postoperative pain relief and enhance postoperative recovery (Sawhney, 2012). Epidural analgesia is associated with fewer side effects than alternative pain management techniques; however, when epidural catheters are managed improperly, or pain is inadequately assessed, epidural analgesia fails to provide adequate pain relief (Deni et al., 2016). More than 80% of surgical patients experience moderate to severe postoperative pain, and 28 to 50% of these patients have a pain score greater than 6 out of 10 at …

Noninvasive Hemodynamic Monitoring In Emergency Trauma Patients, Ryan Boyd

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

Noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring has evolved steadily over the past few decades in response to healthcare providers' preference for less invasive monitoring methods for their patients. Invasive monitoring has its place in the critically ill patient population as witnessed in intensive care units throughout the country. Even in this environment, providers are opting less for the pulmonary artery catheter which has been the gold standard for invasive cardiac output monitoring in the past. Providers are now utilizing less invasive monitoring techniques which offer fewer potential complications to the patient while providing rapid access to critically important hemodynamic data. Examination of different …

The Utilization Of Laryngeal Mask Airways Vs. Endotracheal Tubes In Pediatrics With Upper Respiratory Tract Infection In Reducing Airway Complications, Ruby Foster

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

According to Tait & Malviya, (2005) children typically experience six to eight upper respiratory infections (URIs) per year with ninety-five percent being viral in etiology (Tait & Malvia, 2005). URIs commonly occur in the pediatric population (Bernando-Ocampo, 2012). An issue surrounding the debate on whether a child with upper respiratory infection (URI) should proceed with surgery or cancel surgery is a debate that has been ongoing for several years (Tait el al. 2005). This review examines whether children who have an URI scheduled for surgery are at an increased risk for adverse respiratory complications when the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) …

Does Prophylactic Administration Of Ondansetron Prior To Spinal Anesthesia Decrease Spinal-Anesthesia Induced Hypotension In Obstetric And Non-Obstetric Patients?: A Literature Review, Quinnton Rees

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Neuraxial (spinal) anesthesia is a favored modality in the care of obstetric patients undergoing a cesarean-section (C-section). Spinal anesthesia is additionally popular as an alternative method for various surgical procedures in non-obstetric patients allowing practitioners to avoid potential risks associated with the use of general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension (SAIH) is a common side effect that presents status post-initiation of spinal anesthesia. The source of the hypotension produced after the initiation of spinal anesthesia is due to inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system (sympathectomy) and bradycardia caused by stimulation of the Bezold-Jarisch Reflex. A relatively new intervention that …

A Comparison Of The Quality Of Care And Cost Efficiency Between Anesthesia Providers, Daniel A. Carter

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The development of anesthesia has greatly contributed to the safety of surgeries, reduced the level of invasiveness of many procedures, and provided increased comfort for patients. The delivery of anesthetics has been primarily provided by one of two unique health care providers: a trained physician who has specialized in anesthesia, or an advanced practice nurse—the certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Both providers have a similar scope of practice, are nationally certified, and often work side-by-side. However, in recent years there has been some controversy between the two providers regarding autonomy, safety, and quality of services. The purpose of this study …

Predicting Arterial Oxygen Desaturation Events Via Patient Journal And Pulse Oximetry Data In Postoperative Ambulatory Surgery Patients, Charles R. Elam Iv

Theses and Dissertations

Associations between patient and procedural factors on the nature and quality of the immediate in-home recovery from anesthesia following ambulatory orthopedic surgery are unknown. Further, there is a paucity of outcomes research quantitatively categorizing in-home

patient recovery and safety following discharge from same-day orthopedic procedures. Tools are available, however, to shed light on outcomes in this population, and integration of such available measures is critical.

Ambulatory orthopedic surgery is a burgeoning specialty, with growth expected over the foreseeable future. The expected increased patient caseload subsequent to implementation of the Affordable Care Act and aging Baby Boom generation suggests greater morbidity …

Evaluation Of Delivery Methods Of Chemical Dependency And Wellness Education, Marissa Coggin

Doctoral Projects

Anesthesia practice is learned in a stressful environment, and these stressors may lead to the students’ development of maladaptive coping mechanisms. Despite significant improvements in our understanding of addiction and our approaches to combat this problem, the risk of substance misuse remains high in nurse anesthesia students. Education and intervention are imperative when taking preventative measures. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to determine whether delivery method of chemical dependency/wellness educational program effects the level of understanding of anesthesia providers and substance misuse and the development of healthy coping mechanisms.

In determining whether the delivery …

Local Anesthesia Toxicity, Nicole Mccleery

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Local anesthesia (LA) provides a way to relieve temporary pain in a small part of the body and has been used for over 100 years (Fencl, 2015). LA also prevents the passage of surgical stimuli into the central nervous system (CNS) making a surgical procedure less painful for the patient (Noble, 2015). According to Noble, “altering the passage of stimuli from smaller diameter neurons in a confined area with lower drug dosages is called LA, such as the injection of LA around a surgical incision” (Noble, 2015, p.325). LA can be used in a variety of settings, such as in …

Regional Anesthesia And Breast Cancer Recurrence, Michael Dunnington

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the United States, and surgical resection is the definitive treatment. However, cancer recurrence and metastasis remains a concern for the lifetime of the patients affected. Therefore, much interest has been focused on how anesthetic technique may impact the rates of cancer recurrence and metastasis following breast cancer surgery. In this review, the potential for regional analgesia to reduce the recurrence rate of breast cancer post-operatively is discussed. Supporting evidence from multiple studies is presented, along with a discussion of potential areas of future research that is needed. At …

Hypertonic Saline Versus Mannitol To Improve Brain Relaxation In Craniotomy: A Case Study, Morgan Cornell

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

In neurosurgical procedures, including craniotomy for tumor, neurosurgeons often require a reduction of brain swelling to optimally perform the surgery. The reduction of brain swelling is termed brain relaxation. The anesthesia professional can accomplish brain relaxation using multiple techniques. One such technique is the infusion of certain intravenous fluids to change the osmotic pressure within the cranial vault thereby reducing brain edema (Jaffe, 2014). Highly osmolar fluids such as mannitol and hypertonic saline can be infused to decrease brain edema. Currently, mannitol remains the gold standard for medical treatment of intracranial pressure in neurosurgical procedures (Marko, 2012). This review seeks …

The Impact Of Intraoperative Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy, Marc Yacovone

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

Anesthetists provide intra-operative fluid therapy by utilizing a variety of different methods. Deciding on the appropriate method is multifaceted, and the choice of method is a determinate of safe and effective outcomes. Camach-Navarro et al. (2015) determined that postoperative complications are linked to either giving too much or too little fluid. Unfortunately, the deleterious effects of improper fluid therapy are often overlooked.

Minor surgical procedures which result in little to no blood loss, often lead to positive outcomes using the fixed volume calculation approach to fluid therapy. However, when major surgical procedures are performed on sick patients a fluid management …

The Role Of Platelet Rich Plasma In Pain Management And Decrease In Opioid Use, Sara Cunha

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

Platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP, has become increasingly popular for the treatment of orthopedic injuries and symptomatic pain that results from such injuries. By promoting a localized inflammatory response, PRP injections increase blood flow to the injured area and expedite the healing process, thereby leading to pain relief. PRP has the potential to be a key player in the future of pain management. However, current evidence of the impact of PRP on pain relief is controversial. This paper aims to review the most current randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of PRP in pain relief in a variety of …

Dexmedetomidine In The Prevention Of Emergence Delirium In Children, Lauren Anderson

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

This review examines the use of intravenous dexmedetomidine in the role of decreasing or preventing emergence delirium in pediatric patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. The included randomized controlled trials evaluated the administration of dexmedetomidine, whether as a bolus, infusion, or in combination, and its effectiveness in preventing or reducing emergence delirium. The analysis scales for emergence delirium varied between studies, and it was noted that multiple scale components overlapped with pain scale components used in the trials. It has also been noted that differentiating between pain and emergence delirium can be challenging for clinicians (Somaini, Engelhardt, Fumagalli & Ingelmo, 2016). To …

Neurotoxic Effects Of Anesthesia On The Developing Brain, Nicole Hachey

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

Each year, thousands of neonates receive anesthesia and/or sedation for various surgical procedures. With advancements in neonatal care and surgical techniques, the number of infants receiving anesthesia globally will continue to increase. A relatively large and growing body of literature suggests that exposure to general anesthetics can be detrimental to the developing brain. Based upon various animal studies, it is thought that exposure of the immature brain to anesthetic agents may result in apoptosis, neurodegeneration and ultimately long-term cognitive deficiencies (Walters & Paule, 2016). This information presents a dilemma for practitioners when caring for a neonate requiring a surgical procedure, …

Thoracic Epidural Versus Continuous Intercostal Catheter For Patients Undergoing Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (Vats), Brittany Guilmet

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

Advances in technology have pushed many practitioners towards the implementation of minimally invasive surgery. Many different specialties have rapidly adopted this new approach and patient outcomes have improved as a result of this transition. One specialty, thoracic surgery, has evolved with this change through the development of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Despite improved patient outcomes, thoracic surgery remains one of the most painful procedures that a patient can endure. Although there are many different analgesic modalities available, the gold standard for post-operative analgesia in this patient population remains unknown. The aim of this literature review is to compare the …

Decreasing Cost In The Gi Endoscopy Suite By Utilizing Best Sedation Practices, Casey Brianne Mancini

Doctoral Projects

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States (Mandel, Tanner, Lichtenstein, Metz, Katzka, Ginsberg, & Kochman, 2008; Siegel, DeSantis, & Jemal, 2014). Because this lethal disease claims lives of many people every year, more patients are undergoing screening colonoscopies, which have greatly aided in decreasing the number of colorectal cancer deaths (Siegel et al., 2014). The most common form of sedation for colonoscopies is moderate sedation with a benzodiazepine and an opioid (Cohen, Hightower, Wood, Miller, & Aisenberg, 2004; Lera dos Santos, et. al., 2013). However, sedation by anesthesia providers using propofol is becoming more …

Utilizing Tranexamic Acid To Reduce Blood Transfusion In Hip Fractures, Katherine Balzano-Cowan, Morgan Guerrette

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

Minimizing perioperative blood loss during orthopedic surgery has proven challenging for providers. Perioperative utilization of antifibrinolytic pharmacologic interventions, such as tranexamic acid (TXA), has been demonstrated as a safe and effective technique for decreasing blood loss and allogenic blood transfusion rates. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved on-label indications of TXA are for use in short-term treatment of hemophilia patients undergoing dental extractions and in management of patients experiencing menorrhagia (Mayeux, Alwon, Collins, & Hewer, 2016). Despite the current limited scope of FDA approval for TXA, use in elective surgery with otherwise clotting-uncompromised patients is not a new …

A Systematic Analysis On Opioid-Free General Anesthesia Versus Opioid-Based General Anesthesia For Bariatric Surgery, Ina Basha

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

One-third of the American adult population is considered overweight, a figure that is still on the rise. Obesity negatively impacts every organ system in the human body. When minimally invasive strategies such as life style changes fail, bariatric surgery procedures have become the other option. The purpose of this systemic analysis is to look at the outcomes of post-operative pain, post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and the length of stay required in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) in obese adults undergoing bariatric surgery using opioid-free general anesthesia compared to opioid-based general anesthesia. The studies included in this systematic analysis conclude …

The Effects Of Pain On Informed Consent, Bryan Aja

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

It is common for providers to withhold pain medication as opposed to treating pain prior to obtaining informed consent due to the concern of invalid informed consent. Pain’s influence on cognition can significantly impact the cognitive domains required to obtain valid informed consent. Determining if a patient has the capacity or competence to participate in the informed consent process has medical, ethical, and legal implications. The medical use of competence and capacity is not equivalent to the legal use of the same terminology. Legal implications concerning consent include signing consent while in duress or pain, signing under the influence of …

Clinical Performance And The Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Alyson Cronan

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

The clinical component of graduate nurse anesthesia programs continues to be the key factor in evaluating and ensuring student success. Clinical experience has a direct correlation on student development in areas of self-awareness, psychomotor proficiency, critical thinking and professionalism. To effectively create a positive and motivating learning environment for the student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA), the literature recommends instructors theoretically adapt to the individual learning style of the student, and incorporate various teaching techniques and modalities clinically. The overall goal of the clinical rotation is to establish an atmosphere where an individual can modify learning and skills. Positive, respectful and …

Prophylactic Phenylephrine Infusion Versus Bolus Regimens During Spinal Anesthesia For Cesarean Section, Safira Iddriss

Nurse Anesthesia MSNA Student Capstones

Hypotension is a well-recognized phenomenon associated with any spinal anesthesia. It is most particularly evident in the parturients as a higher block is required for cesarean section (C-section) (Nagelhout, 2014). These populations are also more prone to the effect of sympathectomy because of decreased sensitivity to endogenous vasoconstrictors in addition to increased synthesis of endothelium vasodilators (Miller, 2009). Sympathectomy results in hypotension and other adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting. Many studies over the decades have examined the best management option for the hypotension. This review seeks to determine the best management regimen for the use of the vasopressor …

Intraoperative Administration Of Intravenous Acetaminophen At Induction Or End Of Surgery And Its Relationship With Opioid Consumption And Pain Scores, Spencer Davis Greenwood

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Obesity has become increasingly prevalent in the United States. Bariatric surgeries have increased as the prevalence of obesity has risen, providing an effective alternative to weight loss. Intravenous acetaminophen (IVA) is a safe and effective non-opioid medication that can be given without the risk of respiratory or cardiac complications. Research has shown that the use of IVA during surgery can improve postoperative pain scores, reduce opioid requirements, and improve patient satisfaction.

A retrospective cohort study of 200 patients (100 per group) undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery (LBS) was performed. Statistical analysis was used to determine the relationship between those who received …

What Is The Relationship Of Increased Intraocular Pressure And Body Mass Index In Patients Undergoing Robotic Prostatectomy In Sleep Trendelenburg Position?, Seth Parsons

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Robotic Prostatectomy is a common procedure performed in surgery centers all over the world, but these procedures can be long and difficult to manage for Anesthesia providers. This study examined the relationship between increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and Body Mass Index (BMI) during Robotic Prostatectomies in Steep Trendelenburg (ST) position. Other variables studied were length of procedure, age, and ASA physical classification.

Methodology: The study was a retrospective cross-sectional design of 100 patients with a BMI over 30 and 100 patients with a BMI under 30 who have undergone Robotic Prostatectomies at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) between …

Does Perioperative Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Therapy Correlate With Increased Use Of Vasopressors During Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Versus Those Not Receiving Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Therapy: A Retrospective Study, Joshua Ross

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if patients who took Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors the morning of surgery for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) required more treatment for intraoperative hypotension.

Introduction: PLIF is a surgical procedure used to correct spinal disorders that include compression, instability, pathological lesions, deformities, and pain. PLIF is completed utilizing the prone position for optimal access to the lumbar spine. Complications associated with prone position have included Post-Operative Vision Loss (POVL), compression of abdominal vessels, and head and neck venous compression resulting in neurologic injury. Currently, there are no set recommendations …

The Association Between Intraoperative Single-Dose Dexamethasone And Postoperative Pain In Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Sara Hatfield

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between a single dose of intraoperative dexamethasone in patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery and postoperative pain scores and the amount of postoperative opioid administration.

Introduction: Pain is one of the most common complaints in the postoperative period and the days following a patient’s procedure. While opioids are commonly used for treating intraoperative and postoperative pain, anesthesia providers can lessen their use by adopting multimodal analgesia techniques. This study attempts to fill the research gap related to the association of a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone intraoperatively …