Stroke Alerts in PACU
SBAR
Situation
The AIP PACU does not encounter stroke alerts often, less than 10 a year. I wanted to educate PACU RNs on stroke pathophysiology and stroke alert procedure so that nurses know their role and how to efficiently treat the patient. Time is brain.
Background
In October 2013, the perianesthesia nurse educator, Barbara Krumbach, expressed interest in having a presentation on strokes for PACU nurses. I had just assumed the role of Stroke Champion for the unit ant told Barb that I was interested in helping her organize the presentation. I worked with the stroke nurse, Kimberly Rapp, and the neurology fellow, Dr. Angel Pulido. Dr. Pulido wrote a PowerPoint presentation delineating risk factors for strokes, the different types of strokes, and a case study. Kimberly Rapp and I added two slides at the end explaining the nurse’s role and what to anticipate in a stroke alert.
Assessment
Eight PACU nurses attended the PowerPoint presentation. Later in the year, PACU had a stroke alert that did not run smoothly. There was significant miscommunication between PACU, the Neuro ICU, and the stroke team.
Recommendation
Meet with the stroke nurse, Kimberly Rapp, to identify areas for improvement and eliminate communication gaps. After clarifying stroke alert procedure, reeducate PACU nurses at staff meeting. Hang stroke alert clings throughout PACU as a visual. Hang laminated stroke alert protocols, with step-by-step procedure at charge nurse desk and nursing stations.
The AIP PACU does not encounter stroke alerts often, less than 10 a year. I wanted to educate PACU RNs on stroke pathophysiology and stroke alert procedure so that nurses know their role and how to efficiently treat the patient. Time is brain.
Background
In October 2013, the perianesthesia nurse educator, Barbara Krumbach, expressed interest in having a presentation on strokes for PACU nurses. I had just assumed the role of Stroke Champion for the unit ant told Barb that I was interested in helping her organize the presentation. I worked with the stroke nurse, Kimberly Rapp, and the neurology fellow, Dr. Angel Pulido. Dr. Pulido wrote a PowerPoint presentation delineating risk factors for strokes, the different types of strokes, and a case study. Kimberly Rapp and I added two slides at the end explaining the nurse’s role and what to anticipate in a stroke alert.
Assessment
Eight PACU nurses attended the PowerPoint presentation. Later in the year, PACU had a stroke alert that did not run smoothly. There was significant miscommunication between PACU, the Neuro ICU, and the stroke team.
Recommendation
Meet with the stroke nurse, Kimberly Rapp, to identify areas for improvement and eliminate communication gaps. After clarifying stroke alert procedure, reeducate PACU nurses at staff meeting. Hang stroke alert clings throughout PACU as a visual. Hang laminated stroke alert protocols, with step-by-step procedure at charge nurse desk and nursing stations.
Click for Stroke Alert Presentation