Postoperative Pruritis from Neuraxial Anesthesia

Author

Paige Buckner, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleFollow
Kaleigh Kuhlman, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleFollow

Date of Award

5-5-2023

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Mary Zerlan

Keywords

Opioid, Dexmedetomidine, Nalbuphine, Neuraxial anesthesia, Pruritus, Hypotension

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Post-operative pruritus from the use of neuraxial opioids is a commonly overlooked issue among patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia for operations. A literature review was conducted comparing the use of dexmedetomidine in neuraxial anesthesia versus narcotics and the use of nalbuphine as a treatment for postoperative pruritus when narcotics are used in neuraxial anesthesia. After a review of the literature, a PowerPoint presentation was given to a group of anesthesia providers at a central Illinois hospital that discussed the evidence-based information. A pre- and post-survey were conducted to assess the change in knowledge, the willingness of providers to adapt to new changes in practice, and the willingness of providers to recommend these practice changes to colleagues. The results of the pre-and post-surveys showed willingness among the providers to implement the use of either dexmedetomidine instead of opioids in neuraxial anesthesia or the use of nalbuphine to treat post-operative pruritus in patients who received neuraxial opioids. A significant limitation of this study was the lack of rigorous research. Due to the lack of research, it is the hope that this topic will be further researched in the future to create a more widespread usage among anesthesia providers.

KEYWORDS

Opioid

Dexmedetomidine

Nalbuphine

Neuraxial anesthesia

Pruritus

Hypotension

Recommended Citation

Buckner, Paige and Kuhlman, Kaleigh, "Postoperative Pruritis from Neuraxial Anesthesia" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 252.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/252

Download Full Text Above