Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
-
Examining the care of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is forefront in perianesthesia nursing. The issue of how to effectively manage patients with OSA emerges as the patient presents for surgery. ⋯ With the introduction of preoperative screening, we can more readily identify and facilitate communication of the presence of OSA. Staff education and an increase in postoperative monitoring time help to ensure that all patients with OSA receive safe, consistent, quality care while recovering from anesthesia.
-
J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Oct 2012
An evidence-based checklist for the postoperative management of obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can present significant challenges in providing postoperative care. OSA policies have been developed and are in place within many facilities; however, a standard OSA protocol ensuring the safe delivery of postoperative care has not been universally accepted into practice. ⋯ These interventions include guidelines for postoperative assessment, continuous monitoring, extubation readiness, pain management, sleep positioning, respiratory monitoring, and continuous positive airway pressure therapy. The implementation of this checklist with the synergistic effect of the combined interventions may lead to a greater improvement in the care, safety, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes of OSA patients.