Analysis of Application of Cricoid Cartilage Pressure

Abstract

Background. Cricoid cartilage pressure was formally described in 1961 by Dr. B. A. Sellick. Research has demonstrated a lack of formalized training in cricoid pressure application, leaving the patient at risk for pulmonary aspiration. Methods. This study was non-experimental and correlational with a descriptive aspect. Operating room registered nurses were sampled at urban medical centers. Results. There was no statistically significant correlation between the registered nurses' cognitive or application results and their gender, hand dominance, frequency of application, or having previous training. There was a correlation between years of clinical experience and the actual applied pressure, p = .022. The descriptive aspect revealed significant deficiencies in knowledge and application skills. Conclusions. Despite 60% of the study participants acknowledging having prior training, the results demonstrated that they were no more likely to identify, correctly state, or apply the proper cricoid pressure. Factors suggested by other authors as having influence on the ability to apply pressure were also unfounded by this study.