Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
-
A project is described in which a standard in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for managing patients with acute pain was implemented. The nurses' documentation and their perceptions concerning pain management were assessed. ⋯ The pre-audit of PACU nursing documents showed that the assessment of pain was noted in terms of presence or absence but not quantified by the use of a measurement standard. After the implementation of a pain standard, results of the post-questionnaires showed changes in behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge that showed significant increases in the use of a numerical or visual pain tool, and an increase in documented evaluation of pain.
-
The new ASPAN Standards of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Practice, 1995 continue to recommend a minimum of two nurses in the PACU during phase I recovery. During the 1995 midyear meeting of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, a position paper was passed in support of two nurses in the PACU during phase I recovery. Throughout the country, on some occasions, nurses continue to work alone in the PACU. This article suggests strategies for planning safe and competent care while working alone in the PACU.
-
Plasma cholinesterase (PCE) is an enzyme necessary for the metabolism of certain anesthetic-related medications. Individuals with abnormal cholinesterase activity (e.g., insufficient quantity of functional PCE or atypical PCE genotypes) may exhibit a prolonged paralytic response to the muscle relaxants succinylcholine and mivacurium. A review of perianesthesia nursing considerations and treatment modalities relating to patients presenting with this interesting clinical picture will be offered.
-
J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Oct 1996
ReviewStrategies for success: preparing for the certification examination.
Preparing for one of the certification examinations in perianesthesia nursing can be as challenging as taking them. For many, a certification examination will be the first test taken since graduation from a nursing education program. Identifying and practicing successful testing behaviors will assist the candidate in organizing an approach to learning and reviewing for examination. ⋯ Test anxiety often is a major obstacle to effective test performance. Strategies to deal with anxiety can be learned and used to successfully prepare for and take the examination. A confident approach to the certification examination is the candidate's greatest asset.
-
Whenever the human body is subjected to anesthesia and an invasive surgical procedure, the potential for complications exists. A goal of perioperative care is to minimize that risk while providing the safest care available for the patient. ⋯ The evaluative process must be cost-effective and efficient without compromising reliability. This article familiarizes and updates the perianesthesia nurse on management issues for the surgical patient.