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Assessing the force generated with application of cricoid pressure.
C A Koziol1, J D Cuddeford, D D Moos
1St Anthony Central Hospital, Denver, USA.
AORN Journal
|January 6, 2001
Summary
Perioperative nurses often lack the knowledge and skill for effective cricoid pressure, a crucial technique to prevent aspiration during anesthesia. Studies show most nurses do not apply the recommended 3-4 kg of force to the cricoid cartilage.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Perioperative Nursing
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Cricoid pressure is vital for preventing aspiration during anesthetic induction.
- Effective esophageal occlusion requires 3 to 4 kg of cricoid force.
- Assessing nurses' understanding and application of cricoid pressure is critical for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate perioperative nurses' knowledge of recommended cricoid force.
- To measure the actual force applied by nurses during simulated cricoid pressure.
- To identify gaps in knowledge and clinical skills related to cricoid pressure.
Main Methods:
- A convenience sample of 102 perioperative nurses participated.
- Nurses' knowledge of the recommended cricoid force (3-4 kg) was assessed.
- Force generated during simulated cricoid pressure on a scale-mounted model was measured.
Main Results:
- Only 5% of participants correctly identified the recommended cricoid force.
- The applied force was significantly lower than the recommended 3-4 kg.
- A notable deficit in both knowledge and practical skill was observed.
Conclusions:
- Perioperative nurses demonstrate insufficient knowledge of cricoid pressure guidelines.
- Clinical application of cricoid pressure by nurses is often inadequate.
- Targeted education and training are necessary to improve cricoid pressure technique and patient safety.