SNHP | Nurse Anesthesia DNP Project Presentations
Difficult Airway Management in the Operating Room
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Nancy Armstrong, DNP
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Abstract
Difficult airway management is a critical component in the operating room that requires each member of the surgical team to be prepared when emergencies happen. Many complications can arise with airway management including the partial or complete closure of the vocal cords obstructing the airway (laryngospasm), sudden and severe constriction of the airway’s bronchial tubes (bronchospasm), or a failed intubation attempt with the inability to oxygenate or ventilate. This educational intervention evaluated nurses’ knowledge in managing difficult airway scenarios before and after a hands-on course. Each nurse was given a pre-educational questionnaire that included 5 main components: succinylcholine administration, APL valve adjustment, positive pressure ventilation, ETT exchange, and laryngospasms. This was followed by an individual hands-on course, and a post educational questionnaire. The results demonstrated a 65.1% increase in knowledge among participating nurses. Developing a hands-on educational experience that increases knowledge retention for the operating room nurse on their role in difficult airway scenarios was designed to decrease patient harm and optimize emergency airway scenarios, when they do rarely occur. Hands-on educational training for difficult airways may be a useful way for OR nursing staff to gain knowledge about the subject and potentially gain confidence if the situation were to arise.
Fall Scholars Week 2024 Event
Other (Please write in)
Other Scholars Week Event
April 2025 Nurse Anesthesia
Difficult Airway Management in the Operating Room
Abstract
Difficult airway management is a critical component in the operating room that requires each member of the surgical team to be prepared when emergencies happen. Many complications can arise with airway management including the partial or complete closure of the vocal cords obstructing the airway (laryngospasm), sudden and severe constriction of the airway’s bronchial tubes (bronchospasm), or a failed intubation attempt with the inability to oxygenate or ventilate. This educational intervention evaluated nurses’ knowledge in managing difficult airway scenarios before and after a hands-on course. Each nurse was given a pre-educational questionnaire that included 5 main components: succinylcholine administration, APL valve adjustment, positive pressure ventilation, ETT exchange, and laryngospasms. This was followed by an individual hands-on course, and a post educational questionnaire. The results demonstrated a 65.1% increase in knowledge among participating nurses. Developing a hands-on educational experience that increases knowledge retention for the operating room nurse on their role in difficult airway scenarios was designed to decrease patient harm and optimize emergency airway scenarios, when they do rarely occur. Hands-on educational training for difficult airways may be a useful way for OR nursing staff to gain knowledge about the subject and potentially gain confidence if the situation were to arise.
