AORN journal
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Patient education is a major concern for perioperative nurses in an ambulatory surgery setting. It has proven difficult to develop formal preoperative teaching programs in this environment, but research has shown that preoperative education can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction with the surgical experience. ⋯ Having a well-designed preoperative education program enables perioperative nurses in ambulatory surgery centers to provide a thoughtful approach to perioperative teaching in a limited time. AORN J 90 (September 2009) 381-387. (c) AORN, Inc, 2009.
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Using near-infrared spectroscopy, the INVOS (In-Vivo Optical Spectroscopy) System provides real-time, site-specific cerebral/somatic measurements of de-oxygenated and oxygenated hemoglobin molecules within red blood cells through a noninvasive oximeter. Perioperative professionals can use the vital sign information monitored by this technology to detect and correct site-specific blood oxygenation issues that can lead to complications and poor outcomes. AORN J 90 (September 2009) 431-433. (c) AORN, Inc, 2009.
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In early 2007, patients at our small community hospital's outpatient surgery center experienced postoperative nausea and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) at a rate of 27% to 35%. Many record reviews and a written survey of nurses in the postanesthesia care unit and same day surgery center revealed that little or no risk assessment and no consistent prophylaxis or treatment were in use by nurses, physicians, or anesthesia care providers. ⋯ We found that the rates of PONV had decreased to 16%. AORN J 90 (September 2009) 391-413. (c) AORN, Inc, 2009.