ORCID
0009-0003-1107-1648
Date of Award
Spring 4-18-2023
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Advisor
Dr. Kacy Ballard, DNP, CRNA
First Committee Member
Dr. Chai Sribanditmongkol PhD, RN, IBCLC, CNS
Second Committee Member
Dr. Amy Bishop, DNP, AGCNS
Keywords
Airway, Difficult, Intubation, Ultrasound, Laryngoscopy, Adult
Subject Categories
Anesthesiology | Critical Care Nursing | Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing
Abstract
Adverse respiratory events are the most common injuries in anesthesia; difficult intubation and ventilation contribute to most cases. Injuries following inadequate airway management include cerebral hypoxia, aspiration, and cardiac arrest. Despite the risk and consequences following inadequate airway management, most medical facilities lack standardized airway assessments for anesthesia providers. Current evidence implicates that ultrasound measurement of the hyomental distance demonstrates the highest specificity and accuracy in predicting difficult intubation. The traditional approach to conducting airway assessments includes Mallampati classification, which shows high specificity for predicting difficult airways only when combined with other airway assessments. The purpose of this evidence-based project is to recommend clinical guidelines for standardized airway assessments with the combined use of ultrasound and Mallampati classifications. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-based Model will guide the project team through project planning, development, completion, and dissemination. A literature review, analysis, and critical appraisal of available evidence will be conducted to support recommendations regarding clinical practice protocols for airway assessments utilizing ultrasonography and Mallampati classifications. Project facilitators will engage with anesthesia providers using pre and post-implementation surveys and provide formal ultrasound training. Ultrasound evaluation for airway management is a new addition to preoperative airway assessments that will allow anesthesia providers to revolutionize patient care and reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. Guidelines for standardized airway assessments have been established and will be recommended to the hospital of interest for review, discussion, and determination regarding the potential for implementation.
Acknowledgement 1
1
Acknowledgement 2
1
Licensing Permission
Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use
Recommended Citation
Louden, Meredith, "Evidence-based Practice Guidelines for the Optimal Assessment of the Airway in Predicting Difficult Intubation" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects. 87.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_doc/87