Best Practice in Airway Management of the Neonatal Population

Author

Brittaney MontcalmFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-2024

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Whitney Heischmidt

Project Team Faculty Member

Rebecca Collier

Keywords

pediatric airway, airway management, cuffed endotracheal tube, uncuffed tube, endotracheal intubation, neonatal airway

Abstract

The historical idea that uncuffed endotracheal tubes (ETT) are the best method for pediatric airway management is being challenged in today’s current anesthetic practice. Whether to use a cuffed or uncuffed ETT in the neonatal population remains controversial. This project involved a comprehensive literature review of best-practice recommendations for neonatal airway management, focusing on the use of uncuffed versus cuffed ETTs. Literature review findings were presented as an educational PowerPoint presentation, and a quick reference guide for pediatric airway management was developed. A post-implementation questionnaire was administered to determine the effectiveness of the presentation and its perceived application in clinical practice. Overall, participants expressed an increase in knowledge and ability to determine the best choice of ETTs for the neonatal population, and indicated they were very likely to incorporate the handout tool in their own practice. Research in patients weighing less than 3 kg is still necessary to provide further recommendations. As the debate between cuffed and uncuffed ETTs continues, great progress has been made in recent years to determine best practice. However, the most significant incidence of airway damage still occurs in neonates, supporting the need for optimizing endotracheal tube standards for this population.

Recommended Citation

Montcalm, Brittaney, "Best Practice in Airway Management of the Neonatal Population" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 311.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/311

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