Many recent studies define intraoperative hypotension as a mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 65 mm Hg. However, most CRNAs were taught to maintain an intraoperative MAP within 20% of the patient’s baseline. What if you don’t know their baseline MAP? Do you use the first blood pressure reading in the operating room before induction? Is that MAP higher than their true baseline due to presurgical anxiety? There may be an easier way that is as safe as the traditional strategy. Mounting recent evidence supports using an absolute blood pressure threshold (MAPof 65 mm Hg) for intraoperative maintenance. This strategy is simple to use considering an accurate preoperative MAP is unnecessary. This presentation describes the recent evidence and the growing discussion around absolute blood pressure thresholds versus autoregulation and individualized patient care.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Discuss the limitations of using an intraoperative threshold relative to a patient’s preoperative baseline blood pressure.
2. Discuss the literature supporting the use of an absolute threshold, such as maintaining MAP > 65 mmHg, to avoid negative patient outcomes.

This program has been prior approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology for 1.0 Class A CE credits; Code Number 1045783; Expiration Date 9/30/2026.

• Amy D. Yerdon, DNP, MNA, CRNA, CNE, CHSE - University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing
• Desiree L. Chappell, MSNA, CRNA, FAANA - NorthStar Anesthesia, TopMedTalk

Accreditation Information:
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. 

AANA is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, CEP #10862.

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Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Post-Test Attempt Notice:
A minimum passing score of 80% is required to pass this course. You have TWO opportunities to achieve a passing score. If you fail to achieve a passing score of 80%, you will not receive CE credit for this course.

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Continuing education activities are nonrefundable.