Orthopaedic nursing
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Orthopaedic nursing · Jul 2011
Orthopaedic nurses' knowledge of delirium in older hospitalized patients.
Delirium is a serious health issue experienced by many hospitalized older adults following orthopaedic surgery. Nurses often do not recognize delirium, attributing symptoms to normal changes associated with aging or dementia. ⋯ Baseline knowledge assessment confirmed orthopaedic nurses' lack of understanding of delirium. The 1-hr educational intervention, based on nationally recommended standards, improved the nurses' knowledge and could be useful in orthopaedic nursing continuing education.
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Orthopaedic nursing · Jul 2011
ReviewDelirium in the older adult orthopaedic patient: predisposing, precipitating, and organic factors.
Delirium is a common problem with a reported incidence of 13%-61% in orthopaedic patients. The mortality rate for patients who develop delirium can be as high as 37%. Recent research indicates that delirium may not be completely reversible in all patients. ⋯ Inadequate pain management and polypharmacy are major precipitating factors for the disorder. New models of delirium pathophysiology are focused on the effects of both direct brain insults and aberrant stress responses. This article will provide a brief overview of the clinical problem of delirium with a focus on the current research evidence regarding predisposing, precipitating, and organic factors that lead to delirium in elderly orthopaedic patients.
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Orthopaedic nursing · Jan 2011
Comparative StudyThe use of continuous femoral nerve blocks versus extended release epidural morphine: a study comparing outcomes in total knee arthroplasty procedures.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) protocol, to extended release epidural morphine DepoDur protocol, in patients having a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) enrolled in a structured joint replacement educational program. Overall, the results of this randomized controlled study demonstrate that CFNB and DepoDur protocol pain strategies were well tolerated in TKA patients during this study with expected side effects and appropriate side effect management. Moreover, the DepoDur protocol enhanced pain management experience and satisfaction and provided superior prolonged analgesia compared with CFNB protocol. The occurrence of adverse events, cost, length of stay, and functional outcomes was comparable between groups.
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Orthopaedic nursing · Jan 2011
One statin, two statins, three statins, more: similarities and differences of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors.
Statin drugs (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are one of the most widely prescribed drugs today. They are considered first-line therapy to lower blood serum cholesterol levels in conjunction with therapeutic lifestyle changes for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. In the following discussion, a brief explanation of the background of statins will explain why they are deemed so important today. The similarities and differences between the different statins will be addressed, including a look at dosage, side effects, and cautions for the seven 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors currently available.