Nursing Approach to Patients Receiving HFNC Therapy During ERCP: Balancing Technology and Humanity

1,2 Valentina Ješić
1 Sabina Babić
1 Nikolina Vratan
3 Lucija Piškor

1 Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia, Clinical Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
2 University of Novo mesto, Faculty of Health Sciences, Slovenia
3 Dr. Ivo Pedišić General Hospital, Sisak, Croatia

Abstract
The introduction of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy into endoscopic anesthesia has improved the safety of sedation, particularly in patients with limited respiratory reserve. In this context, the role of nurses extends beyond technical application and includes patient preparation, communication, monitoring, and early recognition of respiratory instability. This paper aims to present a nursing approach to patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with HFNC support, with emphasis on clinical practice before, during, and after the procedure. Particular attention is given to reducing patient anxiety, building trust, and ensuring continuous monitoring to maintain respiratory and hemodynamic stability.
The findings indicate that the integration of technical competence, structured monitoring, and supportive communication contributes to patient safety and the quality of procedural care. The paper proposes a model of nursing practice that integrates contemporary clinical knowledge with the principles of humanistic and patient-centered care in procedural anesthesia.

Keywords: HFNC therapy, ERCP, nursing care, communication, holistic approach, patient anxiety, sedation safety
Article received: 03.09.2025.
Article accepted: 31.01.2026.
https://doi.org/10.24141/1/12/2/8