AANA journal
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Variables measured in modern pulse oximetry apparatuses include a graphic pulse curve and a specified perfusion value (PV) that could be a sensitive marker for detecting differences in sympathetic activity. We hypothesized that there is a correlation between a reduction of PV and the time to eye opening after anesthesia with propofol-remifentanil. This study includes 29 patients, ASA physical status 1 or 2, scheduled for elective thyroid surgery. ⋯ Results demonstrated that PVs before anesthesia and at eye opening were lower than 15 minutes after induction and at end of surgery (P < .05). The PETCO2 and difference of FI-PETO2 increased at eye opening compared with the end of surgery (P <.05). We conclude that the pulse oximetry PV and the increased PETCO2 could be useful variables to predict timing of recovery in terms of eye opening after intravenous anesthesia.
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Review Case Reports
Anesthetic Considerations of Stiff-Person Syndrome: A Case Report.
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a neurologic disorder characterized by painful involuntary episodes of severe muscle rigidity affecting the axial muscles and extremities. Although the etiology of SPS is unknown, it is suspected to involve the synthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Symptoms of SPS are precipitated by sudden unexpected movements, noises, and stress. ⋯ Because of the effect of SPS and SPS medications, inhalational agents and neuromuscular blockers have the potential to cause prolonged hypotonia following anesthesia, resulting in respiratory failure despite full reversal of neuromuscular blockade. In documented case reports, the outcomes of using general anesthesia with inhalational agents and neuromuscular blockers in patients with SPS varied. This case report highlights the anesthetic management of a 56-year-old woman with diagnosed SPS undergoing a hemicolectomy for a colon mass using total intravenous anesthesia.
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Most members of the Jehovah's Witness community refuse blood transfusions, and there are variations in what alternatives they will accept depending on their personal decisions. To provide culturally competent care, healthcare providers need to be knowledgeable about substitutions for blood administration as well as the risks and benefits of available alternatives so that they can inform their patients. ⋯ The purpose of this article is to illuminate the current beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses regarding receiving blood products, discuss ethical and legal considerations for the nurse anesthetist, discuss the risks of blood transfusions, and examine transfusion alternatives. Finally, this article considers a multidisciplinary approach to the optimization of preoperative hemoglobin levels.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Preventive Dorzolamide-Timolol for Rising Intraocular Pressure During Steep Trendelenburg Position Surgery.
The study purpose was to evaluate preventive use of dorzolamide-timolol ophthalmic solution (Cosopt) during laparoscopic surgery with the patient in steep Trendelenburg (ST) position. Periorbital swelling, venous congestion, and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) may produce low ocular perfusion. Prompt IOP reduction is important because 30- to 40-minute episodes of acute IOP elevations can result in retinal ganglion cell dysfunction. ⋯ Patients' IOP was significantly lower in the treatment group than controls (P < .05 to P < .001). Treatment effects were medium to strong. Prophylactic therapy with dorzolamide-timolol significantly reduced IOP of surgical patients during ST positioning.
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Patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) often experience discomfort because of failed attempts to place peripheral venous catheters (PVCs); however, ultrasound guidance may improve this problem with catheter placement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ultrasound when operated by nurse anesthetists for these patients. This prospective observational study with a pre/post design focused on inpatients with DIVA referred for PVC placement, a service provided by nurse anesthetists in most Scandinavian hospitals. ⋯ Procedure time was reduced from 20 to 10 minutes, discomfort was unchanged, and the median number of skin punctures decreased from 3 to 2. The incidence of central venous catheter placement dropped from 34% to 7%. Implementation of a training program and a mobile service in which nurse anesthetists performed ultrasound-guided PVC placement improved the success rate and quality of care in patients with DIVA.