Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
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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.
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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.
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Postoperative nausea and vomiting is an all too common side effect of surgery and anesthesia. The usual occurrence of vomiting within the first 24 hours following surgery involves one quarter to one third of all patients. ⋯ Patient dissatisfaction, adverse physiological sequelae, delays in discharge from the ambulatory facility, unanticipated hospital admission, and added cost are problems associated with postoperative vomiting. This article will review the multiple factors contributing to postoperative nausea and vomiting and discuss contemporary strategies for the management of these factors.
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Postanesthesia nursing requires advanced assessment skills and prompt intervention by the nurse. This article discusses the cause, pathology, diagnosis, and management of postanesthesia cardiogenic and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. An annotated bibliography is included as an additional clinical reference.