Degree Name
Nursing Practice, DNP
Publication Date
8-12-2025
First Advisor
Lisa Drake
Second Advisor
Paige Wimberley
Abstract
Hyperoxia during pediatric anesthesia is linked to postoperative pulmonary complications such as atelectasis and oxidative lung injury. Despite strong evidence supporting the use of lower inspired oxygen concentrations (FiO2), many providers habitually administer 100% oxygen during induction and emergence due to tradition and lack of formal guidelines. This quality improvement project aimed to reduce unnecessary hyperoxia by educating pediatric anesthesia providers on evidence-based FiO2 titration strategies. Guided by Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and Lewin’s Change Theory, a quasi-experimental one-group pretest/posttest design was employed. Sixteen certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and physician anesthesiologists completed baseline surveys, participated in a targeted educational session, and were supported with visual reminders and weekly reinforcement emails. Paired t-tests and chi-square analyses revealed a statistically significant increase in knowledge scores (p < .001) and notable behavior changes, with no providers reporting the use of 100% FiO2 during emergence after the intervention. Additionally, results revealed all providers shifted toward using lower FiO2 ranges during the maintenance and induction phases, further aligning practices with lung-protective strategies. These results demonstrate that structured, theory-driven education can effectively translate evidence into clinical practice, reduce hyperoxia, and enhance perioperative safety for pediatric patients. Sustaining this improvement will involve continued education, integration into annual competencies, and the use of cognitive aids within the operating room environment.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Raines, Brittany, "Quality Improvement Project Evidence-Based Practice for the Use of Lower FiO2 Concentration Amongst Pediatric Anesthesia Providers" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 141.
https://arch.astate.edu/dnp-projects/141
