Reducing Postpyloric Feeding Start Times in Patients With Large Hemispheric Infarction Receiving Therapeutic Hypothermia

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

Therapeutic hypothermia is a promising strategy for neuroprotection in patients with large hemispheric infarction. The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine recommends early enteral nutrition for most critically ill patients (with some precautions), even in patients receiving therapeutic hypothermia. Patients with large hemispheric infarction undergoing therapeutic hypothermia often have gastrointestinal dysfunction and undergo repeated bedside attempts at blind postpyloric feeding tube placement. Confirming tube position via radiography can delay nutrient intake, increase costs, and expose patients to unnecessary radiation In this quality improvement study, nurses were trained to use ultrasonography to confirm postpyloric feeding tube position. Improving processes reduced feeding start times, minimized radiography use, and enhanced the healthcare team’s satisfaction with postpyloric feeding tube placement for patients receiving therapeutic hypothermia.

Objectives

Identify the challenges associated with postpyloric feeding tube placement in patients with large hemispheric infarction undergoing therapeutic hypothermia.
Describe the benefits of using ultrasonography for confirming postpyloric feeding tube position compared to traditional radiography methods
Analyze the impact of using ultrasound positioning after post-pyloric feeding tube placement on the initiation time of feeding and the satisfaction of the medical team.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity. Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

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Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.