AORN journal
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Laryngospasm is a potential serious complication of intubation. Pulmonary edema can develop after laryngospasm and can affect any patient who has been intubated. Postlaryngospasm pulmonary edema is potentially life threatening and can result in reintubation, mechanical ventilation, admission to an intensive care unit, and a prolonged hospitalization for the patient. Perioperative nurses play a significant role in the prompt detection, diagnosis, and treatment of this syndrome.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Etiology and incidence of pressure ulcers in surgical patients.
This experimental study was designed to identify the etiology of pressure ulcers in a surgical sample and to evaluate a special OR mattress overlay in preventing pressure ulcer development. Surgical patients (N = 413) were randomized to receive "usual perioperative care" or the new mattress overlay. Over six postoperative days, 89 patients (21.5%) developed pressure ulcers, primarily stage I. ⋯ Patients with ulcers were statistically older, had diabetes, were smaller in body mass, had lower Braden Scale scores on admission, and used the new mattress overlay (P < .02). Pressure ulcers that presented as "burns" or ecchymosis did not deteriorate to stage III or IV ulcers during the study. The mattress overlay was not effective in preventing pressure ulcer development.
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Hypothermia is one of the most common problems that patients experience in the perioperative environment. Hypothermia causes more problems for the patient than the mere unpleasant experience of feeling cold. ⋯ Many of the nursing interventions that are successful in preventing hypothermia and restoring body heat to surgical patients, such as applying a warmed blanket to a patient's body, seem straightforward. Understanding the cause and effects of inadvertent hypothermia, however, is essential in recognizing it and implementing the most effective nursing interventions.
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Nursing regulations exist to protect and benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the individual. Accountability is a multifaceted concept with many interpretations. ⋯ Ultimately, nurses are accountable to themselves, their patients, and their peers for their professional nursing actions. This article addresses regulatory statutes and other issues of importance in the perioperative setting, including ethical and legal considerations, patient advocacy, delegation of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel, and selected expanded roles in perioperative nursing practice.