Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Aug 2001
ReviewPerianesthesia care of cardiac surgery patients: a CPAN review.
Postoperative nursing management of cardiac surgery patients is considered part of perianesthesia nursing core curriculum by ASPAN. In many hospitals, however, these patients bypass the PACU and are admitted directly to the ICU. ⋯ Bleeding, cardiac tamponade, low cardiac output syndrome, and dysrhythmias are postoperative complications that are discussed. A brief overview of postoperative nursing management and several "nursing pearls of wisdom" are also presented.
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Aug 2001
ReviewMalignant hyperthermia: perianesthesia recognition, treatment, and care.
Although relatively uncommon, malignant hyperthermia (MH) can be a life-threatening crisis when it occurs intraoperatively or postoperatively. It is imperative that every member of the perianesthesia team knows what to do and works cohesively because it is a true emergency. This article reviews information for perianesthesia nurses, perioperative nurses, and anesthesia providers about agents that trigger MH; early and late symptoms of MH; recommended medications, equipment, and emergency supplies that should be readily available for use; and the recommended protocol for effectively treating MH. ⋯ -Based on the content of this article, the reader should be able to (1) describe the pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia (MH); (2) identify the triggering agents of MH; (3) identify patients at risk for MH; (4) describe the early and late signs of MH; (5) state the medication of choice to treat MH; and (6) describe perianesthesia and/or perioperative nursing interventions for treating an MH patient.