Publication Date
4-28-2026
Degree Awarded Date
December 18, 2026
Abstract
This quality improvement project addressed inconsistent use of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring among nurses in the Cardiac Procedure Center (CPC) at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Although capnography detects respiratory compromise earlier than pulse oximetry, limited staff education contributed to variability in waveform interpretation and clinical response. Guided by Kurt Lewin’s Change Model and the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle, four structured one-hour educational sessions were delivered to CPC nurses and supplemented with hands-on practice and visual cognitive aids. Pre-, immediate post-, and two-week post-education surveys evaluated changes in knowledge, confidence, and clinical skill. Mean knowledge scores improved from 65% at baseline to 75% immediately post-education and remained 68.8% at two weeks. Confidence increased from 2.0 to 3.7 on a five-point scale, and skill scores improved from 66.7% to 75% by two weeks. Findings support the use of targeted ETCO2 education, reinforcement, and standardized policy development to strengthen nurse competence, promote earlier recognition of respiratory compromise, and improve patient safety in recovery settings.
Language
English (en)
Document Type
Other
Advisor
Perez, Sarah DNP, CRNA (Chair) Barnes-Jewish College, Goldfarb School of Nursing
Associated Committee
Niemeyer, Hunter CRNA (Committe Member) Washington University School of Medicine
Recommended Citation
Monda, Megan; wallis, Kirk; and Zehner, Rachel, "Riding the End-Tidal Wave: Enhancing Nurse Confidence and Clinical Competence on Capnography Waveform Interpretation" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Student Projects. Paper 28.
Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/dnp_golfarb/28
