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Evaluation

Education Session

Clinical-Procedural

1052 - Perioperative Considerations for the Patient Taking GLP-1 Medications

Saturday, April 11, 2026
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM CST
Location: 238 - 239
CE: .75 Contact Hours
Disclosure(s):
Marci Black, MSN RN CNOR: No financial relationships to disclose
Danielle T. Winch, DNP, MSN, APRN-CRNA: No financial relationships to disclose
Stefanie McIntosh, MS BS RN CNOR: No financial relationships to disclose
Jessica Cooper, MA BSN RN CNOR: No financial relationships to disclose
Zach Swartz, MHI BSN RN EBP-C CNOR: No financial relationships to disclose
Overview/Abstract: As the use of GLP-1 medications continues to rise, perioperative nurses require enhanced education to effectively manage this patient population before surgery. It is estimated that over 12 million adults in the U.S. have utilized GLP-1 medications for diabetes and obesity treatment. These medications function as hormones that inhibit glucagon release from the pancreas, slow food absorption, and delay gastric emptying, which leads to reduced food intake. However, this delayed gastric emptying increases the risk of pulmonary aspiration in surgical patients. Although the American Society of Anesthesiologists offers guidelines for patients on GLP-1 medications, there are more than a dozen different types of these medications, each with varying dosing, routes and half-lives. This complexity underscores the need for comprehensive education for healthcare providers.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the prevelance of U.S. adults with Type II Diabetes and Obesity
  • Describe GLP-1 medications and their mechanism of action
  • Explain clinical implications associated with GLP-1 medications
  • Adapt ASA GLP-1 Guidelines into current practice