AANA journal
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Little research has been done on the effects that topical intratracheal anesthesia have on the length of time required to successfully extubate patients after surgical interventions. This retrospective case-control study, using a convenience sample (n = 100 patients), explored the effects of using topical lidocaine laryngotracheal anesthesia injected into the adult trachea before insertion of the endotracheal tube on patients undergoing surgical treatment for blockage of the carotid artery. ⋯ Results revealed that the use of lidocaine laryngotracheal anesthesia during induction of anesthesia prolonged the mean times for postoperative removal of the endotracheal tube by nearly 2 minutes. Extended time for removal of endotracheal tubes may lead to increased costs to the healthcare institution and to the patient, which in turn may lead to dissatisfaction within healthcare teams and possibly to patient discontent with care provided.
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The purpose of this course is to update nurse anesthetists about anesthetic-induced anaphylaxis. This course discusses the pathophysiologic process of anaphylaxis with descriptions of the allergic immune response and the mediators and mechanisms of mast cell activation. ⋯ Furthermore, the identification of the severity grade of hypersensitivity reactions and the appropriate treatment of perioperative anaphylaxis is discussed. In addition, postoperative and follow-up interventions, including testing for patients who have had an anesthetic-induced hypersensitivity reaction, are considered.
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Abuse and dependency on potent opioids have long been recognized as problems among nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists. Research has provided insight into the incidence of abuse, risk factors associated with this type of dependency, identification of an impaired provider, treatment for abuse and dependency, and prevention strategies. ⋯ There is research supporting successful reentry of anesthesia providers into the practice of anesthesia; however, research also reveals high relapse rates among anesthesia providers who return to the practice of anesthesia. This article reviews the literature regarding opioid abuse and dependency among nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists and offers implications for future research.