Date of Award
Spring 4-12-2024
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Advisor
Dr. Regina Prusinski
First Committee Member
Dr. Brian Garrett
Second Committee Member
Dr. Joy Shoemaker
Third Committee Member
Dr. Amy Bishop
Keywords
Difficult Airway, Assessment, Emergency, Trauma, Ultrasound, POCUS
Subject Categories
Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
Effective airway management is critical for nurse anesthetists, encompassing tasks such as anesthesia administration, airway establishment, and patient safety, particularly in challenging cases where airway difficulties may arise. The subjectivity in airway assessments poses challenges for clinicians when accurately predicting difficult cases. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable tool for quantifying airway parameters, providing objective data to guide decision-making. This project aims to establish evidence-based guidelines for managing the airway in unconscious trauma patients requiring intubation using POCUS. By quantifying parameters such as PEP/E-VC ratios, hyomental distance, thyrohyoid membrane thickness, and anterior neck thickness, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions and potentially reduce malpractice settlements associated with anesthesia-related complications. The project follows the John Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice (JHEBP) Model, a systematic approach for incorporating research findings into patient care. Data collection will involve retrospective chart analysis to assess compliance in documenting airway parameters and using POCUS in difficult cases. The project will monitor CL grade III or IV classifications in patient records to identify trends and evaluate the application of POCUS in managing difficult airways. The timeline spans seven months, including planning, education, training, and data analysis. The ER staff will use a portable handheld ultrasound device, Vscan Air, to efficiently perform scans on all ER patients. This project seeks to enhance airway management in unconscious trauma patients, improve clinical outcomes, and reduce the risk of adverse events, ultimately benefiting anesthesia and emergency room providers and patients.
Acknowledgement 2
1
Licensing Permission
Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use
Recommended Citation
Steinbrunner, Shannen, "Guidelines for Non-Anesthesia Providers Performing Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) for Airway Assessment in the Emergency Room" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects. 142.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_doc/142