Final Scholarly Project: The Development of Perioperative Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Patients Using Kratom

Author

David McHenryFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-11-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Committee Member

Ruth Chavez, DNP, CNP, FNP-BC

Second Committee Member

Brian Garrett, DNP, APRN-CRNA

Third Committee Member

Amy Bishop, DNP, AGCNS-BC

Keywords

kratom, anesthesia, evidence-based practice, perioperative

Subject Categories

Anesthesiology | Medicine and Health Sciences | Perioperative, Operating Room and Surgical Nursing | Surgery

Abstract

This project explores the rising prevalence of kratom use among patients in perioperative settings and the associated challenges for anesthesia management. With an estimated 10 to 16 million users in the United States, kratom acts as both an opioid receptor agonist and an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor stimulant, which complicates anesthetic care. The investigation reveals that a significant portion of kratom users do not disclose their usage to healthcare providers, and current hospital protocols are inadequate due to a scarcity of published studies and formal recommendations. Literature analysis indicates that kratom can lead to adverse postoperative outcomes, including resistance to anesthetics, insufficient pain control, refractory hypertension, and symptoms mimicking opioid withdrawal, often leading to extended hospital stays and unplanned admissions. This study emphasizes the urgent need for evidence-based practice guidelines to address the management of patients using kratom in perioperative care. Following institutional review board and hospital approval, the project aims to establish evidence-based practice guidelines to enhance anesthetic management for kratom users. Data will be collected from 100 patients managed under these new guidelines, and outcomes will be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the interventions. Findings will inform future practices and potentially lead to broader dissemination of knowledge regarding the safe management of kratom-using patients in clinical settings.

Acknowledgement 1

1

Acknowledgement 2

1

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Recommended Citation

McHenry, David, "Final Scholarly Project: The Development of Perioperative Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Patients Using Kratom" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects. 157.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_doc/157