Implementation of a nurse-led protocol for early extubation after cardiac surgery: A pilot study

Figure 1 Protocol for the management of patients after cardiac surgery. ABG: Arterial blood gas; BE: Base excess; CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure; CV: Cardiovascular; IBW: Ideal body weight; PS: Pressure support.

Figure 2 Study periods. Three study periods were identified: “standard practice”, “implementation” and “intervention”. The duration of each period is indicated in the figure.

Figure 3 Rates of patients extubated at different time-points. The analysis starts at the third postoperative hour. Standard practice group is shown in black colour (series 1) and intervention group in grey (series 2). ^aP < 0.05, standard practice group vs intervention group.