Discrepancy in Pre-operative Education on Incentive Spirometer Use: A Potential Risk for Post-operative Pneumonia

QUESTION

This will be your first attempt at writing up a discrepancy, building the argument for the problem, providing your hypothesis, and finally a research question. Choose a simple discrepancy that you have noticed at work AS A NURSE WORKING IN A HOSPITAL.  please find your own problem from your work

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE: Things should be like this, but they are like that. Below is an example – please find your own problem from your work.  Big problem: Post-Operative Pneumonia in persons over 65 years of age cause disability and can cause death. Current Discrepancy: All patients, especially those over 65 at risk for post-op pneumonia should be able to get pre-op teaching that includes proper use of an Incentive Spirometer (IS), but many patients, especially those over 65, do not get proper instructions during pre-operative education on the use of the incentive spirometer. Find four facts that help to build the current argument about the problem: 1) Incentive spirometers (IS) when used properly, increase lung expansion postoperatively (Eltorai et al. 2018). 2) IS and patient lung expansion reduces the incidence of postoperative pneumonia (Eltorai et al. 2018). 3) Patients over 65 who are undergoing surgery with general anesthesia are at higher risk for post-operative pneumonia (Marshall et al. 2021). 4) Routine pre-operative education includes information on the use of IS for post-operative use, However, not all nurses provide the same pre-operative education with instructions for incentive spirometer use.  (Current problem) Research Question:  Are all patients who receive pre-operative education taught how to use an incentive spirometer? OR Are patients who receive pre-operative education on incentive spirometer use less likely to have post-op pneumonia? (Proper framing of a research question will be addressed later in the course)

ANSWER

Discrepancy in Pre-operative Education on Incentive Spirometer Use: A Potential Risk for Post-operative Pneumonia

Introduction

In the hospital setting, providing appropriate pre-operative education plays a crucial role in preparing patients for surgery and reducing the risk of complications. One significant discrepancy I have observed in my work as a nurse is the inconsistent delivery of pre-operative education on the use of an incentive spirometer (IS) for patients, particularly those over 65 years of age. Post-operative pneumonia is a serious complication that can lead to disability and mortality in this population. This essay aims to present the current problem, build an argument based on supporting facts, and propose a research question to address this discrepancy.

Current Discrepancy

The current discrepancy revolves around the fact that all patients, especially those over 65 years of age, who are at a higher risk for post-operative pneumonia, should receive proper instructions on the use of an incentive spirometer during pre-operative education. However, it has been observed that many patients, particularly those in the high-risk age group, do not receive adequate education on the proper use of the incentive spirometer before their surgery.

Building the Argument

Fact: Incentive spirometers, when used properly, increase lung expansion postoperatively, promoting optimal respiratory function (Eltorai et al., 2018).
Fact: Effective use of incentive spirometers and subsequent lung expansion have been associated with a reduction in the incidence of postoperative pneumonia (Eltorai et al., 2018).
Fact: Patients over 65 years of age undergoing surgery with general anesthesia are at a higher risk for developing post-operative pneumonia (Marshall et al., 2021).
Fact: While routine pre-operative education includes information on the use of an incentive spirometer for post-operative care, there is variability among nurses in providing consistent instructions on its use.

Research Question

To address the current problem, the following research question is proposed: Are all patients who receive pre-operative education taught how to use an incentive spirometer? Alternatively, are patients who receive pre-operative education on incentive spirometer use less likely to develop post-operative pneumonia?

Conclusion

The inconsistent delivery of pre-operative education on the use of an incentive spirometer represents a notable discrepancy in patient care. Proper utilization of incentive spirometry has been proven to improve lung expansion and reduce the risk of post-operative pneumonia. Addressing this discrepancy requires further investigation into the extent of pre-operative education provided to patients and its impact on post-operative pneumonia rates. By examining the effectiveness and consistency of education, healthcare providers can enhance patient outcomes and promote optimal respiratory function in the vulnerable population, particularly those over 65 years of age, undergoing surgical procedures.