Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Nursing
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Evan Harris
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
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 hazard. Following the session a post-survey was given.
CRNAs reported knowledge of sevoflurane exposure and interventions to reduce exposure. However, this knowledge was not consistently reported with practices that limit sevoflurane exposure. Some participants reported transient symptoms associated with sevoflurane exposure. Statistical results examining clinical behaviors and sevoflurane knowledge concluded no statistically significant data using Fishers Exact Test on six survey measures (N=10) (Fisher’s exact p = 1.00). Overall, the findings provided results with variability in health effects, perceived exposure, exposure reduction, and clinical practice.
Anesthetic gas exposure is a modifiable issue influenced by staff knowledge, awareness, and equipment reliability. These findings support the need for improved education, adherence to exposure-reduction practices, and enhanced occupational safety measures among anesthesia providers. This project highlights that reducing exposure to sevoflurane is meaningful and achievable.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Nurse Anesthesia DNP Project Presentations
Occupational Sevoflurane Exposure and Awareness of Health Effects Among Anesthesia Providers
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 hazard. Following the session a post-survey was given.
CRNAs reported knowledge of sevoflurane exposure and interventions to reduce exposure. However, this knowledge was not consistently reported with practices that limit sevoflurane exposure. Some participants reported transient symptoms associated with sevoflurane exposure. Statistical results examining clinical behaviors and sevoflurane knowledge concluded no statistically significant data using Fishers Exact Test on six survey measures (N=10) (Fisher’s exact p = 1.00). Overall, the findings provided results with variability in health effects, perceived exposure, exposure reduction, and clinical practice.
Anesthetic gas exposure is a modifiable issue influenced by staff knowledge, awareness, and equipment reliability. These findings support the need for improved education, adherence to exposure-reduction practices, and enhanced occupational safety measures among anesthesia providers. This project highlights that reducing exposure to sevoflurane is meaningful and achievable.