Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Administration to Reduce Emergence Delirium and Narcotic Use in Pediatric Dental Patients.

Purpose

This article describes methods of reducing emergence delirium, and subsequently narcotic administration, in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) using an intraoperative dexmedetomidine bolus and evidence-based education bundles.

Design

Quality improvement (QI) project including retrospective data analysis and evidence-based education bundle intervention.

Methods

Compared the administration of narcotics to pediatric dental patients pre- and post-intervention of intraoperative dexmedetomidine bolus and presentation of evidence-based education bundles to PACU nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).

Findings

The intervention of evidence-based education bundles and intraoperative dexmedetomidine bolus resulted in significant decrease (p < 0.001) in narcotic administration in the PACU.

Conclusions

Implementation of intraoperative dexmedetomidine and perioperative staff education to prevent and identify emergence delirium for pediatric dental patients resulted in decreased postoperative narcotics administration in the PACU, although no significant change in length of stay.