AORN journal
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Comparison of three rewarming methods in a postanesthesia care unit.
Postoperative hypothermia is problematic because patients in postanesthesia care units (PACUs) often feel very cold, and unrecognized or prolonged postoperative hypothermia can aggravate patients' underlying cardiovascular disorders. The researchers compared three methods of rewarming PACU patients who had undergone laparotomy procedures. Patients were assigned randomly to three groups. ⋯ Each patient in group three received the standard PACU rewarming intervention plus a reflective blanket and a reflective head covering. Nurses measured patients' vital signs on admission to the PACU and every 15 minutes thereafter until patients' sublingual temperatures reached 36 degrees C (96.8 degrees F). No significant temperature differences occurred among patients in the three groups, but an inverse relationship existed between patients' PACU admission temperatures and the time they required to reach normothermia.
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Review Case Reports
Treatment of depression with outpatient electroconvulsive therapy.
Depression is a common condition that often responds to a variety of treatment modalities. Concerns about antidepressant medications' safety and efficacy and individuals' lack of response or their problems complying with medication regimens have prompted a resurgence in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for specific mental health conditions. ⋯ Perioperative nursing care for individuals who undergo outpatient ECT is similar to the care provided to patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery. Successful performance of outpatient ECT requires collaboration by skilled perioperative nurses, psychiatrists, anesthesia care providers, affected individuals, and family members.