Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Jun 2013
Utility of dexmedetomidine in sedation for radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation.
The utility of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as an adjunct to conventional procedural sedation using midazolam and fentanyl was evaluated in 11 adult patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation. In a subsequent comparison to 11 demographically matched controls (n = 22) that previously received only midazolam- and fentanyl-based sedation, no significant differences in consumption of midazolam (median, 5 vs 10 mg; P = .3), fentanyl (median, 275 vs 400 mcg, P = .2), respiratory parameters, and procedural outcome were found. However, median reductions of arterial blood pressure were significant: systolic (-26.1 vs -16.7 mm Hg, P = .006), diastolic (-26.7 vs -2.9 mm Hg, P = .01), and mean (-25.8 vs -8.5 mm Hg, P = .006). Reductions of blood pressure limited utility of DEX as adjunct in sedation for RFCA of atrial fibrillation.
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Jun 2013
Intraoperative positioning of patients under general anesthesia and the risk of postoperative pain and pressure ulcers.
Intraoperative positioning is a crucial component of perianesthesia care and can lead to postoperative complications. Therefore, this study explored risk factors for postoperative positioning pain and pressure ulcers that were associated with supine positioning in patients undergoing general anesthesia. ⋯ In conclusion, the risk for positioning pain seems to be greater in patients suffering from preoperative pain. Routine documentation and follow-up of a patient's preoperative pain, intraoperative positioning and overall postoperative pain experience are emphasized.
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Jun 2013
Planned cesarean delivery and urinary retention associated with spinal morphine.
Cesarean delivery (CD) is the second most commonly performed surgery in the United States. As such, prevention of complications associated with this procedure is a top priority in nursing care. Nurses at the study institution perceived that postcesarean patients experienced increased urinary retention after use of spinal morphine for postoperative pain relief. ⋯ Records of 150 patients, ages 17 to 39, undergoing elective primary or repeat CD were examined. Morphine doses included 100, 150, and 200 mcg. No statistically significant differences were found between the three groups.