Poster Presentation: A Survey Evaluation of Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ Knowledge-A Survey Evaluation of Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ Knowledge

A Survey Evaluation of Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ Knowledge

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This survey study aimed to evaluate Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ (SRNAs) knowledge, experience, and perceptions regarding endotracheal cuff pressure (CP) monitoring, and manometer use to inform curriculum development. Elevated ETT cuff pressures (>30 cm H2O) can impair tracheal blood flow, leading to mucosal damage within 15 minutes, thus accurate CP measurement is crucial. Manometer use is advocated to avoid under- and over-inflation complications.<br /><br />A survey, reviewed for content validity by eight experts, was distributed to SRNAs from 130 CRNA programs across the U.S., collecting responses from April to May 2023. Data were gathered via Qualtrics and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 28).<br /><br />Key findings revealed that:<br />- 69% of SRNAs were taught to use a manometer, while 61% also learned pilot balloon palpation.<br />- Despite this, only 29% felt knowledgeable about CP monitoring and manometer use.<br />- 87% of respondents rarely or never used manometers in clinical practice, with 36% inflating the cuff with 8 to 10 mL of air instead.<br />- Rationalization, socialization, and institutionalization were identified as reasons for inadequate CP assessment practices, with 75% reporting that clinical staff rarely or never used manometers.<br /><br />The study concludes that SRNAs lack comprehensive knowledge and experience in CP monitoring, often due to rationalizing alternative methods or following inaccurate clinical practices. Recommendations are made to improve SRNA education through integrating detailed didactic materials on CP monitoring, preceptor training on ETT CP, a cost-benefit analysis for manometer acquisition, and improving manometer accessibility in clinical settings.<br /><br />Conclusively, this study highlights significant knowledge gaps among SRNAs in ETT CP monitoring and suggests actionable educational interventions to bridge these gaps and promote safer clinical practices.

Keywords

SRNAs

endotracheal cuff pressure

CP monitoring

manometer use

curriculum development

survey study

clinical practice

knowledge gaps

educational interventions

Qualtrics