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Kayleigh Momme

 

Kayleigh Momme

Franklin University Malvern, USA

Abstract Title:Severe hypertension in the postpartum period is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality

Biography:

Research Interest: Severe hypertension in the postpartum period is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Prompt and standardized treatment of severe blood pressure elevations is critical to prevent complications such as stroke, heart failure, and eclampsia. At the practicum site, an acute care hospital, delays were identified in administering intravenous (IV) antihypertensive medications due to reliance on physicians to give the medication, resulting in inconsistent and prolonged treatment times. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement an evidence-based nurse-driven protocol for administering IV antihypertensives to postpartum patients with severe hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg or diastolic ≥110 mmHg. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework and the OhioHealth Change Management model, the project aimed to reduce time-to-treatment, improve patient outcomes, and enhance provider satisfaction. Education was provided to nurses and residents through online modules, in-person in-services, and visual aids featuring Labetalol and Hydralazine administration algorithms. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using Qlik analytics and chart review to compare treatment times, number of repeat antihypertensive doses, and complications. Results revealed a modest increase in average time-to-treatment post-implementation (12 to 15 minutes); however, compliance issues contributed to this variance. Importantly, no patients in either pre- or post-intervention groups experienced stroke or seizure activity, and rates of repeat antihypertensive dosing remained stable at 40%. These findings suggest that with reinforced education, improved order set integration, and enhanced compliance monitoring, nurse-driven administration protocols can be safely sustained and expanded to other maternal-child units. This project underscores the vital role of empowering nurses through evidence-based practice to improve the timeliness and equity of care for postpartum women with severe hypertension. Ongoing process standardization, interprofessional collaboration, and technology support will be essential to achieving lasting improvements in maternal safety and outcomes.