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 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.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.