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Minimum Atropine Dosing in Pediatric Patients: Does CRNA Practice Reflect Current Recommendations?
Anna Thai1, Chelsea Varner1, Crystal O'Guin2
1is affiliated with Georgetown University.
AANA Journal
|August 9, 2022
Summary
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) often lack awareness of current pediatric atropine dosing guidelines. Knowledge of these guidelines significantly improves accurate dosing, crucial for preventing potential overdosing in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Pediatric atropine dosing requires precise administration.
- Variability in current practices may lead to suboptimal patient outcomes.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play a key role in pediatric anesthesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current pediatric atropine dosing practices among CRNAs.
- To assess CRNA knowledge of pediatric atropine guidelines and literature.
- To identify factors influencing atropine dosing decisions in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- An electronic survey was distributed to 2,905 CRNAs via the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).
- Data analysis included responses from 31 CRNAs administering anesthesia to pediatric patients.
- Statistical analysis compared guideline awareness with knowledge of correct pediatric atropine dosage.
Main Results:
- 64.5% of surveyed CRNAs were unaware of recent pediatric atropine dosing guidelines.
- CRNAs aware of guidelines correctly reported the pediatric atropine dose 100% of the time.
- CRNAs unaware of guidelines reported the correct dose only 65% of the time (P = .03).
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists in CRNA awareness of pediatric atropine dosing guidelines.
- Guideline awareness is strongly associated with accurate pediatric atropine dosing.
- Addressing practice variability is essential to prevent potential overdosing in neonates.
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