Medsurg nursing : official journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
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In order to counsel the surgical patient, the nurse needs to have a clear picture of home recovery based on the patient's biophysiologic health problems. The purpose of this study was to examine short-stay surgery patients' experiences of pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and problems with elimination and wound healing during a 1-week recovery phase at home.
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Surgery triggers neuroendocrine, metabolic, and immunologic responses, with considerable effects on normal fluid distribution. Of clinical significance to the nurse is the distribution of fluids from the vascular space during the immediate postoperative period, and their return to the circulation approximately 48 to 72 hours later. Understanding the physiological and clinical significance of fluid shifts during the perioperative period allows the nurse to provide effective patient care.
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Older adults are at particular risk for developing delirium, which is often not recognized by health care providers in the acute care setting. Early recog nition with a standardized assessment process provides early treatment. Multifactorial approaches that can be utilized when treating the patient with delirium are described.
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Comparative Study
Balanced analgesia after hysterectomy: the effect on outcomes.
Balanced analgesia (an opioid and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent) after hysterectomy often leads to better postoperative pain outcomes. Researchers compared post-hysterectomy patients who received balanced analgesia with those who received only morphine patient-controlled analgesia, and their relationship with pain scores, ambulation, and hospital length of stay.
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Recently published consensus statements and conference proceedings from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provide new direction with regard to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the adult patient with cystic fibrosis (CF). Survival has improved through early diagnosis and improved treatment, and aggressive management of complications. The current state of knowledge, the most recent evidence-based treatment options, and essentials of nursing care for the adult patient with CF are outlined.