Examining PACU Nurse Knowledge and Confidence of Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs and Neuromuscular Blocking Reversal Agents.

Abstract

Purpose: neuromuscular blockade (NMB) remains a significant risk for patients after anesthesia. This study examines the confidence and knowledge of the use and side effects of NMB and associated reversal agents amongst postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses caring for the postanesthesia surgical population. Retrospective data on the incidence and demographics of patients who underwent general anesthesia with NMB were also examined.

Design: The design was an educational intervention with a pre and post-test, which assessed knowledge and confidence scores of PACU nurses. The nurses completed a demographic, confidence, and knowledge survey before participating in an educational session.

Methods: Analysis of the preintervention and postintervention scores was compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Retrospective data on the incidence of patients who received general anesthesia with NMB were analyzed from February 2023 to July 2023.

Findings: PACU nurses had scores of strong confidence in their ability to care for postoperative patients, and our educational intervention found a statistically significant (P ≤ .05) increase in knowledge for nurses regarding the use of neuromuscular blocking agents. The mean preintervention knowledge score of the participants was 8.0 (SD 1.6), and the mean postintervention knowledge score was 9.18 (SD 0.66).

Conclusions: An educational intervention on the use and side effects of neuromuscular blocking agents and reversal agents improved PACU nurse knowledge. This allows for increased patient outcomes regarding PACU recovery and discharge of our surgical patient population.