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International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing

P-ISSN: 2664-2298, E-ISSN: 2664-2301
International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing
Printed Journal   |   Refereed Journal   |   Peer Reviewed Journal
Peer Reviewed Journal
International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing
2025, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part C
Improving timing of intravenous fluid bolus to reduce spinal-induced hypotension in elective cesarean sections: A quality improvement initiative

Katherine N Meuti and Ryan T Shores

Background: Spinal-induced hypotension (SIH) is a common complication during cesarean sections under spinal anesthesia, affecting maternal and fetal outcomes. Timing of intravenous (IV) fluid bolus administration may influence SIH incidence.
Local Problem: At our institution, IV fluid boluses were often administered 150.6 minutes before operating room (OR) entrance, potentially reducing effectiveness.
Methods: A literature review identified optimal IV fluid bolus timing within 20 minutes of spinal anesthesia. Labor and delivery nurses were educated on SIH physiology, evidence-based timing, and practice goals. Timing of IV bolus to OR entrance was recorded for one week pre- and post-intervention.
Interventions: Nurse in-service training on evidence based IV fluid bolus timing.
Results: Pre-intervention, mean time from IV bolus to OR entrance was 150.6 minutes (n=5). Post-intervention, it decreased to 17.7 minutes (n=3), an 88% reduction.
Conclusions: Nurse education improved adherence to evidence based IV fluid bolus timing, potentially reducing SIH risk. Ongoing data collection and annual in-services will sustain this practice change.
Pages : 181-184 | 59 Views | 33 Downloads


International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing
How to cite this article:
Katherine N Meuti, Ryan T Shores. Improving timing of intravenous fluid bolus to reduce spinal-induced hypotension in elective cesarean sections: A quality improvement initiative. Int J Obstetrics Gynaecological Nurs 2025;7(1):181-184. DOI: 10.33545/26642298.2025.v7.i1c.201
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