AANA journal
-
In 1978, 2 European nurse anesthetists attended the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). Their interest in international cooperation among nurse anesthetists and AANA's agreement planted the seed for what would later become the International Federal of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA). ⋯ We also address the role of a nurse anesthetist worldwide, educational and research activities, and the importance of networking with other organizations. The article concludes with steps toward globalization of the profession and the future of the IFNA.
-
Review
AANA journal course: update for nurse anesthetists--refrigerated anesthesia-related medications.
Medications have strength, expiration date, and storage conditions printed on the medication bottle or package. Some anesthesia medications require refrigeration to maintain the stated strength and safety until the expiration date. These medications may expire in days rather than years when left at room temperature in anesthesia carts or emergency boxes. The following AANA Journal course discusses anesthesia-related medications that require refrigeration and how long potency and safety is maintained out of the refrigerator and provides a chart for future referral.
-
Laryngoscope handles do not usually come in direct contact with the patient's mucous membranes. Consequently, routine disinfection of laryngoscope handles is not currently standard practice unless gross contamination is clearly evident. Recent reports indicate that apparently clean handles may be contaminated with blood or body fluids. ⋯ Organisms were categorized as contaminants or opportunistic pathogens. The presence of opportunistic pathogens places anesthesia providers and patients at risk of nosocomial infections. Based on the recommendations of the 1997 American Association of Nurse Anesthetists' Infection Control Guide and the results of the present study, institutional guidelines should be established for the use of disposable laryngoscope covers, high-level (destroying all microorganisms with the exception of high numbers of bacterial spores) disinfection, or sterilization of laryngoscope equipment between each patient use.