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Perioperative oxygen saturation levels of pediatric patients
Insights
Pediatric patients undergoing surgery are at high risk for oxygen desaturation. Younger children (≤2 years) and longer transport times increase the risk of low oxygen saturation levels post-operation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Postoperative Care
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Airway compromise is a critical concern in postoperative pediatric patients due to their susceptibility to acute airway changes.
- Identifying pediatric patients at risk for hypoxemia during the perioperative period is essential for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify pediatric patients at risk for oxygen saturation below 90% during transport from the operating room (OR) to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, correlational study was conducted on 45 pediatric patients (0-16 years) undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia.
- Data on oxygen saturation were collected preoperatively, intraoperatively, during transport, and postoperatively in the PACU.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of pediatric patients desaturated below 95% oxygen saturation.
- 48% experienced desaturation between 90%-95%, and 8% fell below 90%.
- Patients aged 2 years and younger, and longer transport times, were associated with increased risk of desaturation below 90%.
Conclusions:
- Younger pediatric patients (≤2 years) are at the highest risk for significant desaturation post-surgery.
- Increased transport time correlates with a higher incidence of decreased oxygen saturation levels.
- Proactive monitoring and interventions are crucial for managing pediatric patients at risk for hypoxemia during postoperative transport.
Abstract:
Airway compromise is of immediate concern for any patient after surgery but more so for pediatric patients because they are subject to more acute airway changes than adults. The purpose of this study was to identify those pediatric post-surgical patients in an acute care setting at risk for oxygen saturation less than 90% during transport from the OR to the PACU. A descriptive, correlational design was employed using a convenience sample of 45 male and female pediatric patients between the ages of 0 months and 16 years who underwent elective surgery with general anesthesia lasting longer than 1 hour. Data were collected on each pediatric subject at four points in time (1) in the preoperative holding area (2) in the OR, (3) during transport to the PACU, and (4) on arrival to and during the stay in the PACU. Results showed that more than 50% of the sample (N = 45) desaturated to oxygen levels below 95%. Specifically, 48% desaturated between 90% to 95% and 8% desaturated below 90%. Pediatric patients age 2 years and younger showed the greatest risk for desaturation below 90%. In addition, as transport time increased, the number of subjects with oxygen saturation levels below 95% increased.