British journal of perioperative nursing : the journal of the National Association of Theatre Nurses
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All patients undergoing general anaesthetic are at risk of acid aspiration, particularly in emergency situations when they have not been starved preoperatively. To minimise the risk of acid aspiration, anaesthetists and anaesthetic nurses employ Rapid Sequence Induction of anaesthesia, cricoid pressure and endotracheal intubation. Knowledge of airway anatomy, airway management techniques, anaesthetic agents, muscle relaxant drugs, and Sellick's Manoeuvre help the anaesthetic nurse ensure the safety of the high risk patient.
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This article explores the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses, related to allogeneic blood transfusions. Paul Wade also describes how Witnesses contribute to healthcare planning through the completion of individual Advance Medical Directive/Release documents and by shared learning. The article addresses the reasons why Jehovah's Witnesses refuse allogeneic blood, and what resources are available.
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With the ongoing debate on New Ways of Working in the National Health Service, the role of nurses and other perioperative practitioners in anaesthetics is becoming an increasingly prominent issue. The opening up of new anaesthetic roles to nurses and their non-medical colleagues raises questions as to their own acceptance of these new roles and their acceptance by their medical colleagues. In this article, the author addresses the question as to whether perioperative practitioners are ready for the nurse anaesthetist, and whether the UK as a whole is ready for this initiative.