Ready, Set, CODE! Investigating the Use of Two Standardized Resuscitation Algorithms to Improve Outcomes in Patients in a Level 4 NICU

Authors

Lauren Ayala, Children's Health
Grace Farina, Children's Health
Shelby Hudson, Children's Health
Anna Nguyen, Children's Health
Mireya Ortiz, Children's Health
Luke Wuesthoff, Children's Health

Files

Description

EBP

Background:
Resuscitation efforts can be challenging in a Level IV NICU. Most Heath Care Providers in pediatric hospitals are Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified. Some NICU providers are certified in both Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) & PALS. There is concern regarding use of NRP vs PALS for Level IV NICU patients who are up to one year of age. Strategies need to be identified to assist nurses in determining which resuscitation algorithm (PALS or NRP) to utilize during a code/peri-arrest event involving patients in a Level IV NICU.

PICO:
Will designing a resuscitation tool improve outcomes and effectiveness of code/peri-arrest events for patients in a Level IV NICU (on or off unit) in a large pediatric hospital?

Literature Review:
Ten articles were reviewed relating to this topic, including literature reviews, qualitative studies, quantitative studies, & systematic reviews. Currently, there is no national guideline which suggests when it is appropriate to transition from utilizing NRP to PALS in the neonatal population. The literature suggests there is a lack of data on the outcomes of NRP vs PALS when performed on neonates. This creates confusion among staff during arrest events

Evaluation:
Effective execution of either algorithm is better than no standardization.One code algorithm does not fit all Level 4 NICU patients. One algorithm is not better than the other. Age and etiology are important in determining best resuscitation plan for NICU patients. Further investigation of PALS and NRP are needed to determine a standardized practice since there is a lack of data to support one or the other. Practice implications are discussed.

Publication Date

9-27-2024

Keywords

EBP, Evidence-Based Pracitce, Evidence-Based Nursing, Resuscitation, NICU

Disciplines

Pediatric Nursing

Recommended Citation

Ayala, Lauren; Farina, Grace; Hudson, Shelby; Nguyen, Anna; Ortiz, Mireya; and Wuesthoff, Luke, "Ready, Set, CODE! Investigating the Use of Two Standardized Resuscitation Algorithms to Improve Outcomes in Patients in a Level 4 NICU" (2024). 2024. 38.
https://scholarlycollection.childrens.com/nursing-anf2024/38

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.