Research Symposium Program - Individual Details

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5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025

Garrett Verkaik

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BIO

James Sparks - Born and raised in Paris, TX. James Graduated nursing school in 2021 and went directly into an ICU working through the COVID pandemic. It was in the ICU that James found his passion for critical care, and opened the possibility of pursuing nurse anesthesia.

Garrett Verkaik - Garrett was born and raised in central Florida and also graduated nursing school in 2021. Garrett also went directly into the ICU where he developed a desire for individualized care and critical patients, and thus the pursuit of nurse anesthesia.

Ideal Body Weight Dosing of Dexmedetomidine

Authors: Garrett Verkaik, Dr. Kyle Hodgen
Student Major: DNAP
Mentor: Dr. Kyle Hodgen
Mentor's Department: DNAP
Mentor's College: FSU PC
Co-Presenters: James Sparks

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine is an α₂-adrenergic agonist used widely in anesthesia for its analgesic,
sympatholytic, and recovery-enhancing properties. Despite its benefits, considerable variation
exists in provider dosing practices, limiting consistency in patient outcomes. Current evidence
suggests that ideal body weight (IBW)–based bolus dosing provides a more standardized and
clinically effective approach, improving postoperative pain control, decreasing postoperative
nausea and vomiting (PONV), and reducing delirium in laparoscopic surgical populations.
This project was guided by the PICO question: Do patients undergoing elective
laparoscopic procedures who receive IBW-based bolus doses of dexmedetomidine, compared
with prior non-standardized dosing practices, have better recovery experiences?
Using a pre–post survey design, this practice improvement project evaluated anesthesia
providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and dosing methods before and after viewing an educational
flyer on IBW-based dexmedetomidine dosing. Anesthesia providers at four hospitals were invited
to participate voluntarily. Survey responses demonstrated an increased likelihood of using IBW-
based dosing, greater recognition of key benefits, and a reduction in perceived barriers to
dexmedetomidine use.

Keywords: Cade Garrett Dex