Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
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The perianesthesia nurse is continually challenged to provide safe and effective pain management. This task becomes more difficult when working with an aging population. ⋯ To provide quality pain care for geriatric patients, who are at greater risk for developing potentially life-threatening side effects of commonly used analgesics, the perianesthesia nurse must be knowledgeable about factors that affect pain management in this population. Common factors affecting pain control in the older adult patient include misconceptions regarding use and effects of analgesics, preexisting cognitive impairment, impaired communication, cultural differences between the nurse and the patient, and physiologic changes in aging that affect how drugs are metabolized.
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Oct 2004
ReviewThe alarming trend of substance abuse in anesthesia providers.
The role of the anesthesia provider requires a high level of awareness and constant vigilance. Literature indicates, however, that the substance abuse rate in certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists has reached staggering levels. ⋯ It is imperative that perianesthesia nurses be aware of the current problem and take steps when indicated to protect both providers and patients. This article discusses the current trends of addiction in anesthesia providers, treatment, and reentry, as well as the role of the perianesthesia nurse in recognizing, reporting, and preventing substance abuse.
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Oct 2004
ReviewManaging do-not-resuscitate orders in the perianesthesia period.
Perianesthesia care often involves the use of pharmacologically potent drugs, increasing the risk of cardiopulmonary depression and arrest. For patients with terminal diseases, it may be difficult to decide whether cardiopulmonary arrest in the perianesthesia period is a result of anesthetic medications, surgical intervention, or the disease process. ⋯ Some hospitals automatically suspend DNR orders for patients undergoing surgery, whereas others provide patients the option of no, limited, or full resuscitation. This article promotes the premise that all DNR orders should be reviewed and reconsidered with patients before consent for surgery.