Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Apr 2016
Reducing the Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Begins With Risk Screening: An Evaluation of the Evidence.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a daily concern for patients and perianesthesia nurses. PONV is experienced by approximately one third of all surgical patients. Identification of patients at risk for PONV through preoperative risk assessment is an effective means in reducing the incidence of PONV. ⋯ Targeted prophylaxis is efficacious in reducing the institutional incidence of PONV which decreases resource utilization and cost. The perianesthesia nurse is the crucial component in minimizing the PONV in the post-surgical patient. This evaluation of the evidence reveals that preoperative PONV risk screening leads to decreased incidence of PONV for the surgical patient, improves patient satisfaction and reduces postoperative complications.
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To establish a structured handover in the pediatric postanesthesia care unit. ⋯ A structured handover checklist is associated with increased communication of handover content information and improved provider satisfaction. No statistically significant effect on handover duration time was found.
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition of upper airway obstruction during sleep. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and increases the perioperative risks of surgical patients. Thus, it is essential that perianesthesia nurses understand how to identify and manage patients with known or suspected OSA. This continuing education article will review the pathophysiology of OSA, discuss the effects of anesthesia and opioids on the sleep architecture of the OSA patients, describe the effects of OSA on postoperative complications, review the latest evidence on screening for undiagnosed OSA in the adult surgical patient, and review the perioperative management principles for patients with OSA.
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Dec 2015
ReviewPathophysiology and Prevention of Intraoperative Atelectasis: A Review of the Literature.
Atelectasis is a common problem in the perioperative setting, affecting a significant number of surgical patients receiving general anesthesia. Absorption, compression, and reduced surfactant are the three mechanisms implicated in the etiology of atelectasis. Interventions designed to minimize the risk of intraoperative atelectasis such as positioning, positive end-expiratory pressure, and administration of the least amount of fraction of inspired oxygen can be used to maintain patency of small airways and ultimately improve gas exchange in the surgical patient.
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Dec 2015
Predicting Preoperative Hemodynamic Changes Using the Visual Analog Scale.
This study aimed to investigate how both visual analog scale cutoff scores and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores relate to hemodynamic changes in patients entering the operating theater. ⋯ Using the visual analog scale to measure anxiety can improve our understanding of the hemodynamic changes that occur when patients enter the operating theater.