Managing Artificial Airway Cuff Pressure (1.0 CE for Nurses and 1.0 CRCE for Respiratory Therapists)

09-26-2022 11:17 AM

Course Description

It is imperative that clinicians understand the importance of monitoring artificial airway cuff pressure and applying the current standards of care. This course will focus specifically on the regulation, clinical practice guidelines and factors affecting artificial airway cuff management. This course will review the current standards related to air-filled cuff devices.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the learner will be able to:

  • Define the role of endotracheal and tracheostomy cuffs
  • Explain the purpose of cuff pressure monitoring
  • Apply current methods of managing and measuring artificial airway cuff pressures
  • Identify physical characteristics of artificial airway cuffs
  • Recognize supraglottic airway types
  • Recall the impacts of low cuff pressure
  • Describe the use of subglottic secretion devices
  • Understand the impact of high cuff pressures
  • Examine the environmental, therapeutic, and patient-related factors that impact cuff pressure
  • Discuss the lessons learned treating COVID-19 patients
  • Solve cuff pressure problems using an example of a roadmap for solving artificial airway problems
Intended Audience

This educational activity was developed for respiratory professionals and nurses. 

CE Information

This course is approved for 1.0 contact hours by the American Association for Respiratory Care and by the Florida and California State Boards of Nursing. 

Course Authors

This course was written by James Donegan, BS, RRT; Jason Kutinac MBA, RRT, CLSSGB; and Lisa Ely EdD, RRT-NPS and edited by Brenda Kozak, MSN, RN, CNE.

James is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with 16 years of clinical experience and has a bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Science.

Jason is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with 25 years of experience as both a clinician and leader. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management.

Lisa is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with 32 years of clinical experience who also holds her Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty certification.  She has a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration as well as a Doctorate in Adult Education.

Brenda is a certified nurse educator with 18 years of clinical experience and has her Master’s degree in Nursing Education. 

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