Plastic surgical nursing : official journal of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurses
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Plastic surgeons and their support staff are tasked with proficient management of a wide variety of complex wounds. Since its introduction, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has increasingly been used within the plastic surgery specialty to improve and simplify wound management. Increased usage of the therapy has prompted the development of a myriad of new NPWT systems. ⋯ Wound-specific NPWT systems of varying size are available for low- to moderate-severity wounds, clean closed incisions, and acute abdominal wounds. Wound size and severity, amount of exudate, and patient mobility issues have become important considerations when choosing an NPWT device. The purpose of this article is to familiarize the reader with the latest sophistications in NPWT systems to guide decision making and usage.
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Usually, the circulating registered nurse assists with anesthesia induction, but other personnel tend to interrupt the process to ask questions that are unrelated to the induction process. Interruptions and distractions can lead to loss of focus and result in medication errors if a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) swaps syringes during anesthesia induction. In this study, 8 CRNAs and cycles of anesthesia induction were observed, and the number of interruptions and distractions recorded. ⋯ In another setting, this number is likely to be different. We have chosen to publish this provocative article to stimulate other similar studies of interruptions and distractions in the surgical setting. More research may show whether silence during induction is upheld as a safety measure, and what might be solutions to distractions and interruptions.
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This article reports on studies that have shown specialty nurses with certification contribute to quality patient outcomes and satisfaction. In addition, nurses who have achieved their specialty certification have perceived intrinsic value, empowerment and heighten collaboration with the health care team.