Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Feb 2009
Scientific advances in the genetic understanding and diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia.
Malignant hyperthermia (MH), a potentially fatal disorder triggered by certain types of general anesthesia, has received much attention in the scientific literature. From the first case report in 1960 until the present, hundreds of studies have been conducted. ⋯ A genetic basis for MH was recognized in the early 1990s and, since then, complex genetic pathways have been demonstrated. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the research literature on what is known scientifically about the diagnosis and genetic basis of MH.
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Oct 2008
Prognostic models and risk scores: can we accurately predict postoperative nausea and vomiting in children after craniotomy?
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a problem for many children after craniotomy. Prognostic models and risk scores help identify who is at risk for an adverse event such as PONV to help guide clinical care. ⋯ Although previous work may inform clinical practice and guide future research, existing prognostic models and risk scores do not appear to be options for predicting PONV in children undergoing craniotomy. However, until risk factors are further delineated, followed by the development and validation of prognostic models and risk scores that include children after craniotomy, clinical judgment in the context of current research may serve as a guide for clinical care in this population.
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Aug 2008
ReviewThe effects of stimulation of acupressure point p6 on postoperative nausea and vomiting: a review of literature.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can complicate and delay patient recovery from general and neuraxial anesthesia. Even with a new generation of anesthetic drugs and antiemetics, a high number of patients are affected by PONV. PONV has a multifactor etiology, but there are ways to reduce its occurrence. ⋯ This study is a state of the science paper reviewing research on both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic prophylaxis and various methods of acupressure. It was conducted to add information to the currently available knowledge regarding PONV in hopes of stimulating the use of acupressure for treatment of PONV. The study is divided into six categories: pathophysiology of PONV, background studies of PONV, nonpharmacologic prophylaxis, pharmacological prophylaxis, acupressure and related techniques, and benefits of routine antiemetic prophylaxis.
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Aug 2008
Calm or not calm: the question of anxiety in the perianesthesia patient.
Preoperative anxiety can be a major problem for the patient. Three distinct dimensions of preoperative anxiety are known: fear of the unknown, fear of feeling ill, and fear for life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients feel anxiety (calm or not calm) preoperatively before undergoing an elective day care surgery and also to elucidate the factors contributing to a patient's current state of mind. ⋯ Furthermore, a higher proportion of women did not feel calm preoperatively. This indicates a need before surgery to routinely document and evaluate the individual patient's state of mind and reasons for the state of mind. This individual preoperative care can make it possible to provide emotional support, decrease anxiety, and give the patient a more positive surgical experience.