Perioperative, Operating Room and Surgical Nursing Commons^™

Improving Anesthetic Management Of Pheochromocytoma: ​ ​An Educational Initiative Led By Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists​, Kerryn Nicholls

Scholars Week

Anesthetic management of pheochromocytoma presents challenges to experienced nurse anesthetists and recent graduates alike due to the rarity and complex pathophysiology. The purpose of this DNP project was to provide information and education informed by an extensive literature review regarding the anesthetic management of pheochromocytoma for the benefit of future nurse anesthesia practice. The project was accomplished through an educational presentation and novel clinical care flow chart focused on perioperative anesthetic care of pheochromocytoma excision to an audience of practicing certified registered anesthetists (CRNA’s) in two rural Kentucky hospitals. The findings of this project demonstrated that student nurse anesthesia students …

Improving Anesthesia Provider Confidence In The Identification, Management, And Treatment Of Postoperative Delirium, Brittany M. Whistle, Charles Dustin Phelps

Scholars Week

Purpose: Postoperative Delirium (POD) is a potentially devastating complication of anesthesia that is poorly understood by clinical staff leading to poor outcomes for surgical patients. This study is meant to determine if a focused knowledge presentation accompanied by visual aids could increase anesthesia providers confidence in identifying, diagnosing, and treating Postoperative Delirium.

Methodology: Utilizing a statistical model to analyze respondents results on a standardized test administered before and after an informational presentation with visual aids on the topic of Postoperative Delirium.

Results: Results indicated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores, with a p-value of .002, t(11) = …

Assessing The Impact Of Interprofessional Simulation Training On Perioperative Staff's Confidence In Managing Maternal Hemorrhage, Mallory Duncan, Lidia Vazquez

Scholars Week

Globally, maternal mortality rates remain a critical public health challenge, often related to inadequate healthcare infrastructure in low-income countries. Yet according to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), maternal mortality rates in the United States are also on the rise, with nearly 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. These deaths are largely contributed to maternal hemorrhage (PPH), defined by ACOG as cumulative blood loss of at least 1,000 mL accompanied by symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours of the birth process. These findings underscore an urgent need to strengthen the training for perioperative staff in the management of …

Occupational Sevoflurane Exposure And Awareness Of Health Effects Among Anesthesia Providers, Hayden Fell

Scholars Week

Key words:

Sevoflurane exposure Occupational safety CRNAs Anesthetic gas exposure Workplace hazard

The anesthetic gas sevoflurane is of unique interest amongst anesthesia providers as a potential workplace hazard. This project aimed to evaluate CRNA knowledge, clinical practices, symptoms, and perceptions related to occupational sevoflurane exposure amongst Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) at a regional hospital in Kentucky.

This quality improvement project used a pre- and post-intervention survey design. Ten CRNAs participated in the project. A pre-survey was given, followed by an educational session informing participants of guidelines regarding Sevoflurane exposure and literature findings of Sevoflurane as a potential workplace …

The Standardization Of Protocols For Lines And Drips In Complex Cases, Allee A. Rudolph

Scholars Week

Medication errors occur far too often, yet many can be prevented through simple measures such as intravenous line labeling. Clear, highly visible labels enable quick identification reducing the response time in critical situations. The incorporation of color-coding and icons can only enhance the ability to distinguish between the lines with confidence.

Emergence Delirium In Post-Op Pediatric Patients With Pharmacological And Non-Pharmacological Care: An Integrative Review, Ava Yune, Chloe Renaldi, Morgan Taylor, Jennarose Rangel, Alysa Penicaro

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Mitral Valve Surgery Outcomes, Post-Robotic Assisted Surgery, Compared To Traditional Surgical Procedures: An Integrative Review, Joshua Laborete, Jenna Grace Young, Hannah Fitzgerald, Dylan Crowder, Madelyn Lam, Presely Radar

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Improved Patient Outcomes With Continuous Video Monitoring, Ethan Morrison, Drake May, Jack L. Rideout

Scholars Week

Improved Patient Outcomes with Continuous Video Monitoring

Objective

The use of human sitters has been the normal policy in hospitals across the United States for years. Recently, there has been an introduction to remote video monitoring systems that are aimed at replacing the need for human sitters. Our goal is to change the policy of a local hospital in our area to adjust their stance on human sitters and implement remote video monitoring.

Methods/Results

Our method of accomplishing this involved a PowerPoint presentation and an evidence-based practice paper with three different scholarly research articles that have been peer-reviewed. We presented …

The Importance Of Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis In Post-Surgical Patients, Abigail N. Nelson, Madison R. Holmen

Scholars Week

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a preventable postoperative complication that poses significant risks to patient safety. This evidence-based practice project applies the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to implement a mandatory DVT prophylaxis training module for newly hired surgical nurses. The training includes interactive instruction on pharmacologic and mechanical prevention methods, such as anticoagulant use, sequential compression devices, and early ambulation. Effectiveness will be evaluated through post-training assessments, observation of nursing practice, and manager feedback. By standardizing DVT prevention education and promoting consistent use of evidence-based interventions, this project seeks to improve nurse competency, reduce postoperative DVT incidence, and enhance …

Capturing Women's Birth Experiences Through Photos, Kristen Montgomery, Betsy Crabtree, Samantha Grayson, Alyssa Harmon, Rachael Robbins, Sarah Shelton, Hannah Sobas, Alexis Taliaferro, Nolan Willard

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Each year 3.5 to 4 million women give birth in the United States. Childbirth is a life-changing event that induces various emotions in women. Many women report having a negative experience due to short staffing, inadequate care, and a loss of autonomy. Aims: The aim of the study was to understand what factors contribute to a positive or negative birth experience.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using photo elicitation. Photos were collected from participants and included a description of how the photo represented the participant’s experience. Demographic data were collected through a survey. Participants …

Improving Recovery Nurses’ Satisfaction With Postoperative Transfer Of The Anesthetized Patient With The Utilization Of A Standardized Handoff Checklist, Gemma Nilsson

Scholars Week

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of using a standardized tool during patient handoff, addressing the lack of an organized structure for patient transfers and the risk of miscommunication. Poor communication is a leading cause of medical errors in the hospital and the transfer reports of postoperative patients in the post-anesthesia care unit are often inaccurate or incomplete (Milby, 2014; Salzwedel, 2012).

Design: A handoff tool was developed for anesthesia providers to use during postoperative patient transfers. Using descriptive statistics, the project evaluated subjective survey responses from registered nurses before and after the implementation of the tool. Perception of the tool’s …

Antibiotic Prophylaxis In Surgical Patients, Rebekah Muselin

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Problem: Post operative surgical site infections continue to be an issue that hospitals face. Although there is not one specific root cause of postoperative surgical site infections, there are steps that can be taken that potentially decrease the risk of acquiring an infection. By initiating prophylactic antibiotics prior to surgery, the incidence of postoperative infections may be decreased. Purpose:The purpose of this project is to compare the occurrence of postoperative surgical site infection rates when using prophylactic preoperative antibiotics to postoperative antibiotics. Methods: This project will be a retrospective chart review. There will be a review of the rate of …

Cultural Education Interventions Impact On Cultural Competence, Kaylie V. Griffin Ms

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Problem: In the United States, there is a substantial increase in diversity. This increase in diversity poses multiple challenges for healthcare workers and healthcare systems. Because nurses care for patients with various cultural backgrounds, health beliefs and practices, and languages, cultural competency plays a pivotal role in providing patient-centered care. There is a need to enhance cultural education for healthcare workers to ensure that healthcare workers have the skills and knowledge to effectively engage with all patient populations. Implementing cultural education interventions seeks to increase healthcare workers' competency, communication, and patient outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this research question is …

Fire Safety In The Or, Raghda Abo Al Haija, Leah Cullop, Keeli Mckeel

Scholars Week

Fire safety in the operating room (OR) is crucial, and so it is important for the OR team to be aware of practices that help prevent and manage operating room fires. This presentation compiles evidence-based research on practices and interventions that promote OR fire safety.

Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (Last): Provider Education, Alexis Johnson

Scholars Week

Abstract

Background: Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST) is a rare but serious complication due to accumulation of local anesthetics. If not treated quickly, LAST can cause detrimental complications such as seizures and cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is important that anesthesia providers are well versed in preventing, recognizing, and treating this adverse event.

Methods: A LAST flowchart written by The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) was printed and placed in each operating room in a small suburban hospital. Anesthesia staff were also educated on recognizing signs and symptoms, onset time, high risk patients, and prevention.

Results: Ten …

The Effects Of Hospital Policy And Procedure On Cauti Occurrence, Kevin Kaga, Michaela Morrison, Daniel John

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: Clients that require indwelling catheterization often get bacterial infection causing catheter-associated urinary tract infections. These infections lead to longer hospital admissions and poorer outcomes for clients.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the use of suggested hygiene methods from hospital policy/guidelines in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Methods: Using the Kennesaw State Library search system, 10 articles were found to support that the use of consistent evidence based practices can prevent urinary tract infection occurrence.

Results: Our articles identified appropriate and inappropriate indications for catheterization and effective hygiene techniques used by nurses in the prevention of CAUTIs. These …

Uncovering The Benefits Of Naturalistic Blue-Depleted Lighting In Hospitals: A Qualitative Study, Sam P. Cotton

Symposium of Student Scholars

With exponential technological advances, hospitals are tasked with prioritizing which expensive innovations truly impact as many patients as possible to give them the greatest chance of recovering and discharge them earlier. It is no surprise that most of the attention is focussed on pharmaceutical drugs and a variety of different equipment and machinery, but hospital facilities should look into simpler additions that can aid every patient admitted. The use of naturalistic blue-wavelength lighting is something that can benefit each patient’s recovery immensely. Multiple studies have proven positive effects that blue-depleted lighting compared to standard indoor fluorescent lighting has lowered stress …

Indications And Outcomes Of Or Circulators Continually Leaving The Room During Surgery, Kelly Mckay

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Surgical inefficiencies are a major concern for hospitals due to the fact that they can cause extended OR time, increased costs, and a decrease in patient safety. The primary goal of this research is to understand how operating room circulators leaving the room continuously for missing or needed items can be minimized. In turn, that will increase the efficiency and safety of the surgery. The research will identify and evaluate factors that influence the duration of time in which the circulator is out of the room and how to improve them. The AORN Position Statement states that one perioperative …

Improving Tha (Total Hip Arthroscopy) Patient Satisfaction Scores By Reducing Time Spent In The Pacu From 90 Minutes To 60 Minutes, Jennifer Stultz

Symposium of Student Scholars

BACKGROUND, SIGNIFICANCE & PURPOSE

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) reduces pain and improves range of motion in patients with end stage osteoarthritis. Patients whose post-THA outcome matches their pre-surgical expectations report higher patient satisfaction scores. Post-surgical pain is expected, but if patients don’t ambulate soon enough after surgery, the pain escalates. Simply put, early ambulation improves patient satisfaction scores. To promote early ambulation, spinal block and Propofol are favored over general anesthesia to reduce time spent in the PACU (post anesthesia care unit). The current PACU goal for THA patient discharge is within ninety minutes of PACU arrival. Sometimes the spinal …

Rethinking Malignant Hyperthermia Protocols, Kelsey Currie

Symposium of Student Scholars

Rethinking Malignant Hyperthermia Protocols

In person poster

Undergraduate Student: Currie, Kelsey

Research Mentor: Kristi Brannen

Background: Although malignant hyperthermia (MH) is rare, it is a life-threatening event that can have many nurses unprepared to manage due to its irregularity, lack of training, and supplies. MH is considered a severe medical crisis that can happen within 30 minutes of anesthetic induction. To give the patient the best outcome, hospitals have protocols in place so the team can respond quickly and efficiently. Purpose: This study aims to investigate how creating central locations for MH carts, ice, and supplies compares to yearly training …

Roles In Preoperative Planning, Joetta Combs

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

This project represents the ever-changing methods surrounding Enhanced Recovery after Surgery and the protocols that compose it. The purpose of this study is to expand education of ERAS guidelines and improve patient outcomes through furthering staff education. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery has been a part of perioperative departments worldwide after being introduced in the 1990s by Northern European general surgeons and has been adapted and modified since its introduction (ERAS Society History, 2022). The preoperative and postoperative process is ever-changing and is difficult for staff to keep up with. Many staff members find it difficult to stay on top of …

Surgical Smoke Evacuation Compliance: Barriers And Strategies Used Among Perioperative Nurses, Elizabeth Cretens

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Despite the known hazards of surgical smoke, smoke evacuation method (LEV, N95 respirator) compliance is objectively low and there remains no definitive guideline for these procedures.

Objectives:The purpose of this integrative literature review was to determine the barriers to and strategies used to increase the level of surgical smoke evacuation compliance among perioperative nurses.

Method:An integrative literature review guided by Kurt Lewin’s change theory was conducted using the databases of CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest. The search terms included: surgical smoke evacuation, plume, electro-surgery, laser, diathermy, adherence, compliance, guidelines, protocols, occupational standards, policy, procedure, perioperative, inter-operative, …

Effective Training For Novice Nurses Transition To The Perioperative Role: An Integrative Literature Review, Katherine N. Bazi

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: For novice nurses, a big struggle has been transitioning to the perioperative nursing role. Having a limited amount of experienced perioperative nurses available has created an impact on hospitals to provide extensive training and education for the novice nurse transitioning to this new role.

Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study is to review the efficiency of training for perioperative nurses. This study will help identify best practices for educating new nurses in the operating room as they transition into the operating room.

Method: An integrative literature review was utilized to evaluate peer-reviewed articles …

Operative Times In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery. What Do They Mean?, Joanne Abby Marasigan

Research Days

No abstract provided.

Scarring And The Psychosocial Impact On Surgical Patients: A Review Of Questionnaires, Shandra Melick

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Scarring and the Psychosocial Impact on Surgical Patients:

Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Skin scars have the potential to impact patients in a variety of ways which can include impaired psychological, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Beginning in the 1990s, guidelines were created for patient-reported outcomes (PRO) to measure these patient specific concepts of scarring. but guidelines require refinement.

Objectives: The primary objective was to examine validated instruments to measure the psychosocial impact of surgical patients in relation to their acquired scar.

Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted to analyze results and findings of different validated …

Attitudes And Beliefs Among Anesthesia Provides Regarding Smartphone Use For Intraoperative Anesthetic Management, Jasprit Dulat, Marjorie Reeves

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Smartphone technology has evolved at the same accelerated pace as healthcare technological innovation. The literature shows that healthcare providers already utilize Smartphone technology to bridge gaps in knowledge and provide quality care to patients. Critics of these advancements are leery about Smartphone use in the operating room (OR) because it may be a source of distraction for anesthesia providers; however, supporters argue that their use is also recognized as a potential aid in learning. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess workplace attitudes and beliefs regarding the use of Smartphones in the operating room in order to establish policies …

Anesthesia "Hand Off" Process For Patients At High Risk For Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Terry Yeager

Student Scholar Showcase

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of The Banner Mobility Assessment Tool For Bariatric Patients, Nicole Benkert

Scholars Week

Abstract

The prevalence of morbidly obese patient within the United States is on a rapid incline. Evidence correlates an increase in patient falls, comorbidities, and hospital admission among this specific patient group. As a result, there is an increase in workload and injuries to staff as they tend to these patients. Healthcare facilities need to continuously update current patient handling programs and create specific policies for safely handling obese patients. Research suggests that Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Programs, as well as the Banner Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT), have substantially decreased nurse injuries through a wide range of nursing specialties. …

Scheduling, Heather Ann Paine 2481430

Student Scholar Showcase

Problem:

Self scheduling via paper sign-up sheets can lead to missed staffing needs for the Operating Room. Paper scheduling lacks the ability to run quick analysis of staffing needs as well as ensure each shift is staffed properly.

Evidence:

Electronic scheduling will improve scheduling efficiency, cost savings, as well as improve moral and staff engagement.

Strategy:

This project will use design and plan, do, study, and act to implement and evaluate project. This project is being conducted take place at Lynchburg General Hospital Operating Room with the current five members of the cardiothoracic team as a pilot, based on post …