AANA journal
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Inadvertent deflation of the endotracheal tube cuff during a tracheotomy can complicate the surgical procedure, especially in a morbidly obese patient. Also, the anesthesia provider may lose control of the airway, with the inability to reintubate in case of airway edema, airway secretions, or airway fire. The use of the GlideScope video laryngoscope (Verathon Inc, Bothell, Washington) in the morbidly obese patient undergoing a tracheotomy has clinical benefits. This device allowed the visualization of the airway anatomy in 2 patients and the manipulation of the punctured endotracheal tube cuff in one case.
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A 37-year-old morbidly obese man with a history of obstructive sleep apnea underwent elective tonsillectomy. The patient was successfully intubated with an 8.0-mm regular cuffed endotracheal tube. A large video laryngoscope (GlideScope, Verathon Inc, Bothell, Washington) was used for intubation, as airway assessment indicated a potentially difficult airway. ⋯ Resuctioning and reinsertion of the GlideScope probe did not provide an adequate visual field. After 2 failed attempts, the use of the GlideScope was abandoned. Subsequently, the patient's trachea was successfully intubated with a size 4 Macintosh blade.
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The benefits of collaboration in healthcare have been linked positively with higher patient satisfaction, improved patient outcomes, enhanced nursing staff satisfaction, and decreased hospital costs. A sample of nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists affiliated with postgraduate training programs in the state of Texas responded to a survey designed to gather attitudes toward physician-nurse collaboration using an adaptation of the Jefferson Scale of Attitudes Toward Physician-Nurse Collaboration. Two-hundred seventy surveys were completed by 62 anesthesiologists and 208 nurse anesthetists. ⋯ No significant differences in attitudes were found between men and women for the total sample. However, the health discipline showed a statistically significant difference. These findings suggest that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who deal with role conflict or unclear expectations as well as limited scope of practice may have increased job stress and dissatisfaction.