Today's surgical nurse
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Elderly cataract patients frequently have comorbid multisystem disease. Local or regional anesthesia is provided to reduce complications of retrobulbar infiltration. Performing painless eye blocks without sedation is probably the safest route.
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Older patients are at a higher risk for postoperative delirium. Symptoms of delirium are flucuating sensorium, altered perception and attention levels, and increased confusion. The incidence of delirium after surgery does not correlate with a specific anesthetic agent or the route of administration.
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Today's surgical nurse · May 1997
ReviewHelping halt hypothermia. An overview of in-line blood/solution warmers.
Preventing hypothermia when delivering fluids to a patient is of critical importance. Several varieties of fluid warmers are available to help prevent hypothermia. Before deciding which model of warmer to use, health care facilities must decide when they will use this technology.
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The RN should know his or her state Board of Nursing position, national standards, hospital policy, and procedure before assuming this role. The RN delivering conscious sedation must focus on patient education, assessment, and monitoring. The successful practice requires consistency of care in all departments and continuity of care at all costs.
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Surgical smoke is produced when a hot surgical device is used to cut, coagulate, vaporize, or ablate tissue. Surgical smoke can cause burning, watery eyes; nausea; respiratory problems; and viral contamination and regrowth. Because of complications and potential hazards, complete evacuation of surgical smoke has become necessary.