Nurse anesthetists play a crucial role in healthcare, providing anesthesia and related care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. Research in this field is essential for advancing patient care, improving safety, and enhancing the practice of nurse anesthesia. The following list of 240 Nurse Anesthetist research topics covers a wide range of areas relevant to nurse anesthetists and CRNA practice, including pharmacology, patient safety, pain management, technology in anesthesia, pediatric and geriatric anesthesia, regional anesthesia techniques, and professional development.

100 Nurse Anesthetist Research Topics:

1. The impact of preoperative anxiety on anesthesia outcomes
2. Comparing the efficacy of different regional anesthesia techniques for postoperative pain management
3. Evaluating the use of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks in ambulatory surgery
4. The role of simulation training in improving CRNA performance and patient safety
5. Assessing the effectiveness of multimodal analgesia in reducing opioid consumption after surgery
6. Investigating the incidence and risk factors of postoperative nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients
7. The impact of music therapy on patient anxiety during the preoperative period
8. Comparing the cost-effectiveness of different anesthetic techniques for outpatient procedures
9. Evaluating the efficacy of dexmedetomidine for sedation in ICU patients
10. The role of capnography in preventing adverse events during monitored anesthesia care
11. Investigating the effects of different anesthetic agents on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients
12. Assessing the impact of preoperative fasting protocols on patient outcomes
13. Comparing the effectiveness of various airway management techniques in obese patients
14. The role of point-of-care ultrasound in guiding fluid management during surgery
15. Evaluating the use of sugammadex for reversal of neuromuscular blockade in high-risk patients
16. Investigating the incidence and management of intraoperative awareness under general anesthesia
17. Assessing the impact of different anesthetic techniques on postoperative delirium in geriatric patients
18. Comparing the efficacy of various local anesthetic agents for epidural anesthesia
19. The role of goal-directed fluid therapy in improving outcomes in major abdominal surgery
20. Evaluating the use of virtual reality for anxiety reduction in pediatric anesthesia
21. Investigating the effects of different anesthetic techniques on immune function
22. Assessing the impact of preoperative optimization programs on postoperative outcomes in high-risk patients
23. Comparing the effectiveness of various regional anesthesia techniques for labor analgesia
24. The role of cerebral oximetry in preventing postoperative neurocognitive disorders
25. Evaluating the use of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for postoperative pain management
26. Investigating the incidence and risk factors of perioperative hypothermia
27. Assessing the impact of different ventilation strategies on postoperative pulmonary complications
28. Comparing the efficacy of various pharmacological agents for prevention of postoperative shivering
29. The role of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in improving patient outcomes
30. Evaluating the use of ketamine for management of chronic pain conditions
31. Investigating the effects of different anesthetic techniques on cancer recurrence and metastasis
32. Assessing the impact of preoperative carbohydrate loading on postoperative outcomes
33. Comparing the effectiveness of various non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety reduction in the perioperative period
34. The role of processed EEG monitoring in guiding anesthetic depth and reducing postoperative complications
35. Evaluating the use of regional anesthesia techniques in trauma patients
36. Investigating the incidence and management of difficult airway situations in the emergency department
37. Assessing the impact of different anesthetic techniques on postoperative nausea and vomiting in high-risk patients
38. Comparing the efficacy of various pharmacological agents for management of intraoperative hypertension
39. The role of perioperative goal-directed hemodynamic therapy in improving outcomes in cardiac surgery
40. Evaluating the use of acupuncture for management of postoperative pain and nausea
41. Investigating the effects of different anesthetic agents on the developing brain in pediatric patients
42. Assessing the impact of preoperative exercise programs on postoperative outcomes in elderly patients
43. Comparing the effectiveness of various regional anesthesia techniques for chronic pain management
44. The role of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in monitoring cerebral oxygenation during cardiac surgery
45. Evaluating the use of gabapentinoids for prevention of chronic postsurgical pain
46. Investigating the incidence and risk factors of postoperative respiratory complications in obese patients
47. Assessing the impact of different fluid management strategies on outcomes in major orthopedic surgery
48. Comparing the efficacy of various pharmacological agents for management of emergence agitation in pediatric patients
49. The role of preoperative frailty assessment in predicting postoperative outcomes in geriatric patients
50. Evaluating the use of virtual reality for pain management in burn patients
51. Investigating the effects of different anesthetic techniques on postoperative recovery in ambulatory surgery
52. Assessing the impact of preoperative nutritional optimization on outcomes in cancer patients undergoing major surgery
53. Comparing the effectiveness of various regional anesthesia techniques for thoracic surgery
54. The role of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in improving outcomes in spine surgery
55. Evaluating the use of liposomal bupivacaine for prolonged postoperative analgesia
56. Investigating the incidence and management of perioperative anaphylaxis
57. Assessing the impact of different anesthetic techniques on postoperative sleep disturbances
58. Comparing the efficacy of various pharmacological agents for prevention of postoperative acute kidney injury
59. The role of patient-controlled analgesia in improving pain management and patient satisfaction
60. Evaluating the use of hypnosis for anxiety reduction and pain management in the perioperative period
61. Investigating the effects of different anesthetic agents on neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants
62. Assessing the impact of preoperative cognitive training on postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients
63. Comparing the effectiveness of various regional anesthesia techniques for breast surgery
64. The role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in non-cardiac surgery
65. Evaluating the use of cannabinoids for management of chronic pain conditions
66. Investigating the incidence and risk factors of postoperative urinary retention
67. Assessing the impact of different anesthetic techniques on postoperative pain in patients with chronic pain conditions
68. Comparing the efficacy of various pharmacological agents for management of postoperative ileus
69. The role of perioperative blood management strategies in reducing transfusion requirements
70. Evaluating the use of virtual reality for distraction during awake procedures
71. Investigating the effects of different anesthetic techniques on maternal and fetal outcomes in cesarean sections
72. Assessing the impact of preoperative prehabilitation programs on outcomes in high-risk surgical patients
73. Comparing the effectiveness of various regional anesthesia techniques for upper extremity surgery
74. The role of pharmacogenomics in personalizing anesthetic management
75. Evaluating the use of erector spinae plane blocks for thoracic and abdominal surgery
76. Investigating the incidence and management of perioperative stroke
77. Assessing the impact of different anesthetic techniques on postoperative opioid consumption in opioid-tolerant patients
78. Comparing the efficacy of various pharmacological agents for management of intraoperative bronchospasm
79. The role of goal-directed coagulation management in reducing bleeding complications during major surgery
80. Evaluating the use of mindfulness-based interventions for pain management in chronic pain patients
81. Investigating the effects of different anesthetic agents on postoperative wound healing
82. Assessing the impact of preoperative smoking cessation programs on postoperative pulmonary complications
83. Comparing the effectiveness of various regional anesthesia techniques for lower extremity surgery
84. The role of artificial intelligence in predicting and preventing perioperative complications
85. Evaluating the use of intravenous lidocaine infusion for enhanced recovery after surgery
86. Investigating the incidence and management of perioperative acute coronary syndrome
87. Assessing the impact of different anesthetic techniques on postoperative quality of life in cancer patients
88. Comparing the efficacy of various pharmacological agents for management of postoperative delirium
89. The role of perioperative glycemic control in reducing surgical site infections
90. Evaluating the use of virtual simulation for crisis management training in anesthesia
91. Investigating the effects of different anesthetic techniques on immune function in immunocompromised patients
92. Assessing the impact of preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing on risk stratification and outcomes
93. Comparing the effectiveness of various regional anesthesia techniques for ambulatory hand surgery
94. The role of telemedicine in preoperative anesthesia evaluation and postoperative follow-up
95. Evaluating the use of dexmedetomidine for prevention of emergence delirium in pediatric patients
96. Investigating the incidence and management of perioperative visual loss
97. Assessing the impact of different anesthetic techniques on postoperative chronic pain development
98. Comparing the efficacy of various pharmacological agents for management of intraoperative hypotension
99. The role of enhanced recovery after cesarean (ERAC) protocols in improving maternal outcomes
100. Evaluating the use of immersive virtual reality for management of procedural pain in pediatric patients

120 Nurse Anesthetist Research Topics

General Topics

1. The impact of simulation-based training on CRNA competency
2. Comparing patient outcomes between CRNAs and anesthesiologists
3. The role of CRNAs in pain management clinics
4. Evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative anxiety reduction techniques
5. Integrating point-of-care ultrasound in nurse anesthesia practice
6. The impact of provider fatigue on anesthesia-related adverse events
7. Optimizing handoff communication in the perioperative setting
8. Implementing enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in anesthesia practice
9. The role of CRNAs in disaster preparedness and emergency response
10. Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of CRNA-led anesthesia care models

Pharmacology and Anesthesia Management

11. Comparing the efficacy of propofol vs. etomidate for induction in elderly patients
12. The impact of dexmedetomidine on postoperative delirium in cardiac surgery patients
13. Evaluating the use of sugammadex vs. neostigmine for neuromuscular blockade reversal
14. The effects of ketamine on postoperative pain management in opioid-tolerant patients
15. Comparing remifentanil vs. fentanyl for intraoperative pain control in laparoscopic procedures
16. The role of gabapentinoids in multimodal analgesia for ambulatory surgery
17. Evaluating the efficacy of intravenous lidocaine infusions for postoperative pain management
18. The impact of volatile anesthetics vs. total intravenous anesthesia on postoperative cognitive dysfunction
19. Comparing the hemodynamic effects of phenylephrine vs. ephedrine in obstetric anesthesia
20. The use of dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in high-risk patients

Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

21. Implementing a checklist-based approach to reduce medication errors in anesthesia
22. The impact of preoperative fasting guidelines on aspiration risk and patient comfort
23. Evaluating the effectiveness of a standardized difficult airway algorithm in improving patient outcomes
24. The role of capnography in preventing postoperative respiratory complications
25. Implementing a perioperative surgical home model to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs
26. The impact of a comprehensive preoperative evaluation on reducing day-of-surgery cancellations
27. Evaluating the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach to managing perioperative pain
28. The role of simulation training in improving crisis management skills among CRNAs
29. Implementing a quality improvement program to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections in the operating room
30. The impact of a standardized handoff protocol on reducing adverse events during patient transfers

Technology and Innovation

31. The role of artificial intelligence in predicting and preventing anesthesia-related complications
32. Evaluating the efficacy of closed-loop anesthesia delivery systems in maintaining optimal anesthetic depth
33. The impact of virtual reality technology on preoperative anxiety reduction in pediatric patients
34. Implementing a mobile app for remote monitoring of postoperative pain and recovery
35. The use of augmented reality in regional anesthesia guidance
36. Evaluating the effectiveness of automated drug dispensing systems in reducing medication errors
37. The impact of electronic health records on anesthesia workflow and patient safety
38. Implementing a machine learning algorithm for predicting postoperative complications
39. The role of wearable technology in monitoring patient vital signs during anesthesia
40. Evaluating the use of 3D printing technology in airway management education for CRNAs

Specialized Anesthesia Care

41. Optimizing anesthesia management for robotic-assisted surgical procedures
42. The impact of regional anesthesia techniques on outcomes in orthopedic surgery
43. Evaluating the safety and efficacy of anesthesia techniques for office-based plastic surgery
44. The role of CRNAs in providing anesthesia care for interventional radiology procedures
45. Comparing anesthesia management strategies for bariatric surgery patients
46. The impact of anesthesia techniques on outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgery
47. Evaluating the effectiveness of regional anesthesia for enhanced recovery after cesarean section
48. The role of CRNAs in providing anesthesia care for organ transplantation procedures
49. Optimizing anesthesia management for patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy
50. The impact of anesthesia techniques on outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture repair

Pain Management and Regional Anesthesia

51. Comparing the efficacy of epidural vs. paravertebral blocks for thoracic surgery
52. The role of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia in reducing opioid consumption
53. Evaluating the effectiveness of erector spinae plane blocks for postoperative analgesia
54. The impact of peripheral nerve blocks on rehabilitation outcomes in total joint arthroplasty
55. Comparing continuous vs. single-shot techniques for peripheral nerve blocks
56. The role of regional anesthesia in preventing chronic postsurgical pain
57. Evaluating the efficacy of transversus abdominis plane blocks for abdominal surgery
58. The impact of multimodal pain management strategies on opioid-related adverse events
59. Comparing the effectiveness of different local anesthetic formulations for prolonged sensory blocks
60. The role of CRNAs in managing complex regional pain syndrome

Obstetric Anesthesia

61. Comparing the efficacy of combined spinal-epidural vs. epidural analgesia for labor pain management
62. The impact of early neuraxial analgesia on cesarean section rates
63. Evaluating the effectiveness of programmed intermittent epidural bolus for labor analgesia
64. The role of ultrasound guidance in improving the success rate of epidural placement
65. Comparing remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia vs. epidural analgesia for labor pain management
66. The impact of anesthesia techniques on maternal and neonatal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies
67. Evaluating the effectiveness of non-pharmacological pain management techniques in labor
68. The role of dexmedetomidine in obstetric anesthesia for cesarean section
69. Comparing different local anesthetic concentrations for epidural analgesia during labor
70. The impact of obesity on anesthesia management and outcomes in obstetric patients

Pediatric Anesthesia

71. Evaluating the efficacy of caudal blocks vs. wound infiltration for postoperative analgesia in pediatric inguinal hernia repair
72. The impact of preoperative fasting guidelines on pediatric patient comfort and safety
73. Comparing sevoflurane vs. desflurane for maintenance of anesthesia in pediatric patients
74. The role of parental presence during induction of anesthesia on pediatric anxiety levels
75. Evaluating the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine for procedural sedation in pediatric patients
76. The impact of anesthesia exposure on neurodevelopmental outcomes in young children
77. Comparing different airway management techniques in pediatric patients with difficult airways
78. The role of regional anesthesia in pediatric pain management and opioid-sparing strategies
79. Evaluating the efficacy of intranasal dexmedetomidine for preoperative anxiolysis in children
80. The impact of anesthesia techniques on emergence delirium in pediatric patients

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Anesthesia

81. Comparing goal-directed fluid therapy vs. traditional fluid management in cardiac surgery
82. The impact of volatile anesthetics vs. total intravenous anesthesia on myocardial protection during cardiac surgery
83. Evaluating the effectiveness of cerebral oximetry monitoring in preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction
84. The role of transesophageal echocardiography in guiding anesthesia management during cardiac surgery
85. Comparing different cardioplegia techniques for myocardial protection during cardiac surgery
86. The impact of anesthesia management on outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
87. Evaluating the efficacy of lung-protective ventilation strategies in thoracic surgery
88. The role of regional anesthesia techniques in reducing complications after thoracic surgery
89. Comparing different anticoagulation management strategies for patients on cardiopulmonary bypass
90. The impact of anesthesia techniques on postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients

Professional Development and Education

91. Evaluating the effectiveness of simulation-based training in improving critical thinking skills among CRNA students
92. The impact of mentorship programs on career satisfaction and retention of CRNAs
93. Comparing different teaching methodologies for pharmacology education in nurse anesthesia programs
94. The role of interprofessional education in improving collaboration between CRNAs and other healthcare providers
95. Evaluating the effectiveness of online learning platforms in nurse anesthesia education
96. The impact of stress management programs on burnout rates among CRNAs
97. Comparing different assessment methods for evaluating clinical competence in CRNA students
98. The role of continuing education in maintaining and improving CRNA practice
99. Evaluating the effectiveness of leadership training programs for CRNAs in administrative roles
100. The impact of cultural competence training on patient satisfaction and outcomes in diverse populations

Emerging Topics and Future Directions

101. The role of CRNAs in telemedicine and remote anesthesia consultation
102. Evaluating the potential of nanotechnology in drug delivery for anesthesia and pain management
103. The impact of personalized medicine approaches on anesthesia drug selection and dosing
104. Exploring the use of virtual reality for pain management in chronic pain patients
105. The role of genomics in predicting individual responses to anesthetic agents
106. Evaluating the potential of stem cell therapy in treating anesthesia-related complications
107. The impact of climate change on anesthesia practice and healthcare sustainability
108. Exploring the use of blockchain technology in improving medication tracking and patient safety
109. The role of CRNAs in developing and implementing enhanced recovery protocols for various surgical specialties
110. Evaluating the potential of exoskeleton technology in improving ergonomics for anesthesia providers

Nurse Anesthetist PICOT Question Examples

111. In adult surgical patients (P), how does the use of sugammadex (I) compared to neostigmine (C) affect the incidence of postoperative residual curarization (O) within the first 24 hours after surgery (T)?
112. In pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia (P), does the use of preoperative virtual reality-based preparation (I) compared to standard preoperative education (C) reduce preoperative anxiety levels (O) on the day of surgery (T)?
113. In obese patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery (P), how does the use of lung-protective ventilation strategies (I) compared to conventional ventilation (C) affect the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (O) within the first 72 hours after surgery (T)?
114. In elderly patients undergoing hip fracture repair (P), does the use of regional anesthesia (I) compared to general anesthesia (C) reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium (O) during the first five days after surgery (T)?
115. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery (P), how does the use of goal-directed fluid therapy (I) compared to traditional fluid management (C) affect the length of ICU stay (O) within the first 7 days after surgery (T)?
116. In laboring women requesting neuraxial analgesia (P), does the use of combined spinal-epidural technique (I) compared to traditional epidural analgesia (C) affect maternal satisfaction scores (O) during the first 24 hours postpartum (T)?
117. In CRNA students (P), how does the use of high-fidelity simulation training (I) compared to traditional clinical education (C) affect clinical competence scores (O) at the end of their training program (T)?
118. In patients undergoing ambulatory surgery (P), does the implementation of a multimodal PONV prophylaxis protocol (I) compared to standard antiemetic therapy (C) reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (O) within the first 24 hours after discharge (T)?
119. In patients with chronic pain undergoing surgery (P), how does the use of preoperative pregabalin (I) compared to placebo (C) affect postoperative opioid consumption (O) during the first 48 hours after surgery (T)?
120. In CRNAs working in high-stress environments (P), does participation in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program (I) compared to no intervention (C) affect burnout scores (O) after a 12-week period (T)?
121. In adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery (P), how does the use of goal-directed fluid therapy (I) compared to standard fluid management (C) affect the incidence of postoperative complications (O) within 30 days after surgery (T)?
122. In elderly patients undergoing elective surgery (P), how does preoperative cognitive training (I) compared to standard preoperative care (C) impact postoperative cognitive function (O) at 3 months post-surgery (T)?
123. In pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy (P), how does the use of dexmedetomidine (I) compared to midazolam (C) affect the incidence of emergence delirium (O) in the immediate postoperative period (T)?
124. In patients with chronic low back pain (P), how does the use of pulsed radiofrequency (I) compared to conventional radiofrequency ablation (C) impact pain scores (O) at 6 months post-intervention (T)?
125. In obese patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (P), how does the use of sugammadex (I) compared to neostigmine (C) affect the time to complete reversal of neuromuscular blockade (O) in the immediate postoperative period (T)?
126. In pregnant women undergoing cesarean section (P), how does the use of intrathecal morphine (I) compared to patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (C) affect postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption (O) within the first 24 hours after surgery (T)?
127. In patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (P), how does the use of adductor canal block (I) compared to femoral nerve block (C) impact postoperative mobility and pain scores (O) during the first 48 hours after surgery (T)?
128. In ICU patients requiring mechanical ventilation (P), how does daily sedation interruption (I) compared to continuous sedation (C) affect the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay (O) over a 28-day period (T)?
129. In patients undergoing ambulatory surgery (P), how does the use of virtual reality-based preoperative education (I) compared to standard preoperative counseling (C) impact preoperative anxiety levels (O) immediately before surgery (T)?
130. In cancer patients undergoing major abdominal surgery (P), how does the use of intravenous lidocaine infusion (I) compared to standard analgesia (C) affect postoperative inflammatory markers and length of hospital stay (O) within the first 7 days after surgery (T)?
131. In pediatric patients undergoing dental procedures under general anesthesia (P), how does the use of intranasal dexmedetomidine (I) compared to oral midazolam (C) affect preoperative anxiety levels and ease of induction (O) at the time of anesthesia induction (T)?
132. In patients with chronic neuropathic pain (P), how does the use of dorsal root ganglion stimulation (I) compared to spinal cord stimulation (C) impact pain scores and quality of life (O) at 1 year post-implantation (T)?
133. In elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery (P), how does the use of fascia iliaca compartment block (I) compared to systemic analgesia (C) affect opioid consumption and postoperative delirium rates (O) within the first 72 hours after surgery (T)?
134. In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (P), how does the use of remote ischemic preconditioning (I) compared to standard care (C) impact the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction and acute kidney injury (O) within 30 days after surgery (T)?
135. In obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing bariatric surgery (P), how does the use of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (I) compared to standard oxygen therapy (C) affect the incidence of postoperative hypoxemic events (O) during the first 24 hours after extubation (T)?
136. In patients undergoing major spine surgery (P), how does the implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol (I) compared to standard perioperative care (C) impact length of hospital stay and postoperative complication rates (O) within 30 days after surgery (T)?
137. In patients with refractory chronic migraine (P), how does the use of peripheral nerve stimulation (I) compared to botulinum toxin injections (C) affect headache frequency and intensity (O) at 6 months post-intervention (T)?
138. In pediatric patients undergoing scoliosis surgery (P), how does the use of intraoperative ketamine infusion (I) compared to standard analgesia (C) impact postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores (O) within the first 48 hours after surgery (T)?
139. In patients undergoing outpatient knee arthroscopy (P), how does the use of cryoneurolysis of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (I) compared to single-injection adductor canal block (C) affect postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption (O) during the first 7 days after surgery (T)?
140. In geriatric patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery (P), how does the use of goal-directed hemodynamic therapy (I) compared to standard fluid management (C) impact the incidence of postoperative organ dysfunction (O) within 14 days after surgery (T)?

This comprehensive list covers a wide range of topics relevant to nurse anesthetist practice and research, including pharmacology, patient safety, pain management, regional anesthesia techniques, pediatric and geriatric anesthesia, technology in anesthesia, and professional development. These topics can serve as excellent starting points for research papers and capstone projects for nurse anesthetist students.