Improving Patient Safety by Increasing Staff Knowledge of Evidence-Based Pulse Oximetry Practices

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

After noticing that off-label placement was being used in a critical care setting, further investigation of this practice was completed because it could impact patient safety and proper administration of oxygen therapy. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce off-label placement of pulse oximetry sensors and increase health care staff members’ knowledge regarding the optimal use of pulse oximetry.

Objectives

Identify two factors which may limit nurses’ ability to obtain accurate oxygen saturation readings from pulse oximeters.
Describe the potential impact of using off-label pulse oximetry placement on measurement of oxygen saturation.
Identify one direct measurement and one in direct measurement of blood oxygen saturation.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must attend/view/read the entire activity and complete the associated evaluation to be awarded the contact hours or CERP. No partial credit will be awarded.

Disclosure

This activity has been reviewed by the Nurse Planner. It has been determined that the material presented here shows no bias. No conflicts of interest have been identified for any individual with the ability to influence the content of this activity. Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN or ANCC approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC's) Commission on Accreditation, ANCC Provider Number 0012. AACN has been approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the California State Board of Nursing (CBRN), California Provider number CEP 1036. This activity is approved for 1.00 contact hours.

AACN programming meets the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education contact hours for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting CE to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.