| Teaching anaesthetic nurses optimal force for effective cricoid pressure: a literature review. | |
| | |
MedLine Citation:
|
PMID: 19366411 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
|
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This literature review explores the role of force and education in cricoid pressure, an essential aspect of practice for any nurse within a critical care environment. BACKGROUND: Cricoid pressure is utilized in everyday practice during rapid sequence induction (RSI) of anaesthesia. The purpose of cricoid pressure is to occlude the oesophagus in order to reduce the risk of acid aspiration during emergency induction of anaesthesia. The importance of best practice cannot be overstated because of high rates of mortality following acid aspiration. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted using the key words cricoid pressure, Sellick manoeuvre, rapid sequence induction and acid aspiration syndrome. Articles were obtained from online searches, with literature published in the last 10 years being used; some seminal literature and textbooks were incorporated for definition purposes. RESULTS: The literature displayed a disparity in practice and differing opinions on the optimal force to occlude the oesophagus. The role of education in correct application of cricoid pressure was explored, with unanimous conclusions that education plays a role in ensuring best practice. CONCLUSIONS: Forces of 20-30 N are adequate to occlude the oesophagus and minimize the risk of acid aspiration. However, it is difficult for practitioners to accurately estimate this force in everyday practice. Various methods of assessing force were discussed, with the use of a 50-mL syringe suggested as a cost-effective and simple method to utilize in practice. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The literature review demonstrated that the subject of cricoid pressure is relevant in critical care practice in order to ensure patient safety during RSI. Thus, all critical care nurses have a duty to gain a working knowledge on the subject if patient safety is to be maintained. This paper provides a source of information on cricoid pressure and realistic methods of maintaining best practice. |
| | |
Authors:
|
Andrew Parry |
Publication Detail:
|
Type: Journal Article; Review |
Journal Detail:
|
Title: Nursing in critical care Volume: 14 ISSN: 1478-5153 ISO Abbreviation: Nurs Crit Care Publication Date: 2009 May-Jun |
Date Detail:
|
Created Date: 2009-04-15 Completed Date: 2009-07-23 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
|
Nlm Unique ID: 9808649 Medline TA: Nurs Crit Care Country: England |
Other Details:
|
Languages: eng Pagination: 139-44 Citation Subset: N |
Affiliation:
|
University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. andrew.parry@cardiffandvale.wales.nhs.uk |
Export Citation:
|
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
|
Anesthesia, Inhalation
/
adverse effects,
methods,
nursing Benchmarking Biomechanics Clinical Competence* Cricoid Cartilage* Critical Care / methods Emergencies / nursing Esophagus Humans Nurse Anesthetists / education*, organization & administration Nurse's Role Operating Room Nursing / education, methods Practice Guidelines as Topic Pressure Respiratory Aspiration / etiology, prevention & control* Safety Management Syringes Teaching Materials |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document: An evaluation of the impact of a tracheostomy weaning protocol on extubation time.
Next Document: Delirium in the intensive care unit: a review.