CRNA : the clinical forum for nurse anesthetists
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The possibility of awareness during general anesthesia causes apprehension for the patient and the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The goals of general anesthesia are to prevent the sensation of pain and produce a state of sedation, hypnosis, and unconsciousness so the patient will not remember the surgical procedure. An inadequate level of anesthesia can result in patient awareness during surgery. ⋯ The EEG signal is complex, affected by artifact, and it requires a dedicated interpreter. Conventional processed EEG monitoring systems are problematic because of the complexity of the equipment and technical difficulty of reading the EEG recording. The purpose of this article is to describe the history of awareness during anesthesia and introduce a new processed EEG monitor, the Bispectral Index (BIS) (Aspect Medical Systems, Inc., Natick, MA) with implications for future clinical use and research.
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Technological advances have greatly improved the management of the patient undergoing microlaryngeal surgery. The use of a laser, high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), total intravenous anesthetic techniques (TIVA), and specially designed endotracheal tubes (Xomed Hunsaker Mon-Jet ventilation tube [Xomed Surgical Products, Jacksonville, FL]) are recognized as cutting edge approaches to the management of these cases. ⋯ This case report describes an approach to anesthetic management for a patient with a history of achondroplastic dwarfism having laser excision of bilateral vocal cord granulomas. Further increasing the complexity of the case was the surgical use of an autogenous tissue glue, which required a period of 'airway silence' during the application process.
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Development of Anesthesia Crisis Resource Management (ACRM) skills is a highly desirable outcome of a nurse anesthesia educational program. Access to an ACRM course is limited by a variety of factors including cost, availability of a center, time constraints, and the lack of adequately prepared CRNA faculty. The authors describe a Nurse Anesthesia Program's planning and implementation of an ACRM course by using a high fidelity human simulator. ⋯ The authors address administrative concerns, faculty preparation needs, and explain the process of course design. Strengths of the course and problems encountered during the implementation of the experience are described. Feedback from participating students, faculty perceptions, and lessons learned from the experience are shared.
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The use of simulation for educational training is common in many industries but is a new advancement in student instruction in anesthesia, medicine, or allied health. The Human Patient Simulator (HPS) allows students and clinicians to learn and practice a variety of technical skills as well as manage basic and complex clinical situations in a modifiable and reproducible environment. ⋯ The HPS provides a real world environment for student learning in various fields. The theory of situated cognition is discussed in conjunction with the implementation of the HPS into various classes.
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The patient, as a health care consumer, has a fundamental right to determine what shall be done to his or her own body. The doctrine of informed consent has evolved to protect that right. ⋯ A brief history of informed consent is provided, as well as discussion of the controversies surrounding the topic. Several court cases are cited, and the opinions of various authors reflect the wide range of legal and ethical implications associated with informed consent.