Circumventing Problems Before They Occur: Implmenting Capnography
Graduation Date
1-2012
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Nursing
Thesis Advisor
Eira Klich-Heartt, RN, MSN
Abstract
Implementing a monitoring program to reduce respiratory risk in patients during procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) is supported by published clinical and scientific evidence. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to build on the existing PSA monitoring policy by promoting an improvement of clinical care as a result of implementing capnography monitoring to reduce the incidence of respiratory depression in the care continuum. Capnography monitoring during PSA has been shown to be the earliest indicator of acute airway obstruction, respiratory depression, and apnea. Thus, building on the existing PSA monitoring policy to improve the earliest possible detection of respiratory depression will provide safer patient care outcomes.