Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-10-2019

Graduate Advisor

Alicia Hutchings

Committee

Maryann Bozzette

Heather Decker

Abstract

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can have negative effects on both mothers and neonates and are a major contributor to the increasing morbidity and mortality affecting women pregnant women in the United States. Treatment algorithms are available for treatment of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy when treatment criteria are met. With proper use of these algorithms, healthcare personnel can decrease the mortality and morbidity rates, which will increase patient safety and decrease healthcare spending. This research project focused on implementing The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) Labetalol treatment algorithm to treat patients diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. Prior to implementation, data was collected from November 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019 and compared to data that was collected after implementation, March 1, 2019 through May 31, 2019. Although compliance with algorithm utilization decreased post implementation, the data proves that with proper use, the Labetalol algorithm improves maternal blood pressures and maternal outcomes.

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