Plastic surgical nursing : official journal of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurses
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The death rate in the United States is higher for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) than the death rate for AIDS. It has also been present for much longer than people realize. ⋯ Because skin-to-skin contact is the main cause of MRSA transmission, simple good hand washing techniques remain crucial. New classes of antibiotics have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for MRSA, as the challenge becomes continued antibiotic resistance.
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Anesthesia awareness can cause adverse psychological symptoms in patients after surgery. Although rare, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been documented in surgical patients who have a history of previous trauma or maladaptive coping patterns. Plastic surgical nurses should assess all patients for anesthesia awareness postoperatively, recognize the diagnostic criteria of PTSD, and offer support of psychiatric referrals if indicated.