Role of Anaesthetic Nurse in Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) in Emergency Patient

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Role of Anaesthetic Nurse in Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) in Emergency Patient
Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a general anesthesia technique that induces anesthesia
muscle relaxation simultaneously to facilitate the trachea’s intubation. It is indicated when a
patient requires general anesthesia, but there is a need to protect their airway, for example, in
cases of head injury or upper airway obstruction. RSI is a high-risk procedure and requires
extensive training and experience. The anesthetic nurse plays a vital role in successfully
completing RSI in patient safety and anesthetic management.
The anesthetic nurse’s role in RSI is to support the anesthetist and help ensure the
procedure is carried out safely. This includes ensuring that the patient’s head is positioned
correctly, applying cricoid pressure, and helping to insert the endotracheal tube.
The anesthetic nurse will ensure the patient’s head is positioned correctly during the
emergency in rapid sequence intubation. The nurse will often have the patient lie on their side
with their head turned to the opposite side. They may also ask the patient to put their chin down
to their chest (Graham et al., 2017).
According to Stewart et al., (2014), the anesthetic nurse applies the cricoid pressure by
using the thumb and index finger of one hand to apply pressure to the cricoid cartilage while
simultaneously using the other hand to insert a laryngoscope blade into the patient’s mouth. The
anesthetic nurse also applies the cricoid pressure during the emergency. The Cricoid pressure is
applied to the patient’s neck to secure the airway and prevent regurgitation of stomach contents.
The anesthetic nurse also helps in inserting the endotracheal tube. The anesthetist will pass
the endotracheal tube through the vocal cords and into the trachea. The tube is then secured, and
the patient is connected to a ventilator. The purpose of inserting an endotracheal tube during RSI

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is to provide a clear airway for the patient to ensure that they receive sufficient oxygenation and
ventilation. This is particularly important in patients at risk of aspiration or with other respiratory
problems.

Non-Technical Skills during RSI in Emergency Patients

It may be challenging for anesthesiologists to communicate effectively when they are
called upon to collaborate with other professionals. Thus, a new area in the training of health
professionals began to develop, the “non-technical skills,” to overcome the obstacles arising
from the professional culture and human factor.
Non-technical skills are cognitive and interpersonal abilities that aid in successful
cooperation and include communication skills. Skills not based on technical knowledge but the
human dimension may significantly impact patient care (Yule et al., 2016).
Communication
When attempting to provide effective communication during RSI in an emergency patient,
you must consider many factors. If a patient is unconscious, agitated, or combative, then the only
communication you will have with the patient is through physical restraint or sedation. You must
maintain a calm and reassuring manner at all times, even if the patient is behaving agitatedly or
violently. You must maintain eye contact with the patient during the procedure. It would help if
you also used clear and concise language when communicating with the patient. If the patient is
conscious, it is important that you explain what you are doing and why you are doing it in a way
that the patient can understand. It is also important that you allow the patient to ask questions and
express their concerns.

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Positioning
It would be best if you positioned the patient to maximize their comfort and safety during
the procedure. If the patient is conscious, you must position them in a way that will allow them
to see what is happening and to ask questions if they need to. If the patient is unconscious, it is
important that you position them in a way that will minimize the risk of them aspirating on their
vomit.
Preparation
It is important that you adequately prepare the patient for the procedure. This includes
ensuring that they are fasting if required and that they have emptied their bladder and bowels
before the procedure. It is also important that you explain the procedure to the patient so they can
understand and that you provide them with the opportunity to ask questions and express their
concerns.
Sedation
The anesthetic nurse should apply sedation as a non-technical skill. It wou