Table of Contents
Columns
Education News
Mentoring in the operating room: A student perspective
Kelly M. Meno, RN, BSN
Bonita M. Keaveny, RN, BSN
John M. O'Donnell, CRNA, MSN
Print version: 2003;71:337-341.
Key words: Mentor, mentoring, professional socialization, student nurse anesthetists.
Books and Multimedia of Interest
Atlas of Common Pain Syndromes
Reviewer: Bernadette Henrichs, CRNA, PhD, CCRN
Print version: 2003;71:344.
Features
The AANA Foundation Closed Malpractice Claims Study on nerve injuries during anesthesia care
Tracie Fritzlen, RN, BSN
Michael Kremer, CRNA, DNSc, FAAN
Chuck Biddle, CRNA, PhD
Anesthesia-associated nerve injury is a common cause of patient morbidity and litigation. to identify factors associated with perioperative nerve injuries and rationalize preventive strategies, 44 cases from the AANA Foundation Closed Malpractice Claims Database pertaining to nerve injuries in which nurse anesthetists provided care were analyzed.
Print version: 2003;71:347-352.
Key words: Closed claims analysis, complications, peripheral nerve injury.
Uterine rupture in a primigravid patient and anesthetic implications: A case report
Alexander A. Litwin, CRNA, MSNA
Early diagnosis and swift treatment of uterine rupture is essential for optimal maternal and fetal outcomes. In the case presented, aggressive resuscitation and treatment aided in overcoming the delay in the diagnosis and definitive treatment for uterine rupture.
Print version: 2003;71:353-356.
Key words: Epidural analgesia, obstetrical anesthesia, uterine rupture.
Acupuncture and pain: A review of the literature
Ladan Eshkevari, CRNA, MS, Dipl. Ac.
In this review article, the author discusses the basics of Western medicine theories and treatment modalities of pain, followed an in-depth look at acupuncture. The discussion touches upon the theory of acupuncture with a concise review of the investigations that have been undertaken to provide scientific data for its effectiveness in pain management.
Print version: 2003;71:361-370.
Key words: Acupuncture, alternative medicine, chronic pain, complementary medicine, pain management.
Late postpartum eclampsia coincident with postdural puncture headache: A case report
LT Anthony W. Winston, CRNA, MS, NC, USN
CDR David Norman, CRNA, MSN, NC, USN
In this case report, the authors conclude that symptoms of postdural puncture headache can mimic those of postpartum preeclampsia. Early recognition and treatment of postpartum preeclampsia may decrease patient mortality and morbidity preventing late postpartum eclampsia.
Print version: 2003;71:371-372.
Key words: Epidural blood patch, late postpartum eclampsia, late postpartum preeclampsia, postdural puncture headache.
Awareness under general anesthesia
Natalie Sigalovsky, RN, BSN
Undetected intraoperative awareness remains a significant problem for anesthesia providers. This literature review discusses assessment methods that can be trusted when general anesthesia is provided and measures that can be taken to prevent recall patients under general anesthesia.
Print version: 2003;71:373-379.
Key words: Anesthesia, awareness, monitoring, prevention, recall.
State of the Science Oral and Poster Sessions: Part 1
Print version: 2003;71:381-388.
AANA Journal Course, Part 4
Update for nurse anesthetists --
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Steve Waldorf, CRNA, MSN
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal condition composed of hyperthermia, extrapyramidal symptoms, autonomic nervous system disturbances, and altered levels of consciousness. Although uncertainty exists about its cause, most studies suggest it is the result of dopaminergic deficiency in the central nervous system, most commonly caused neuroleptic medications. In this AANA Journal course, the author discusses pathophysiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, and treatment of NMS.
Print version: 2003;71:389-394.
Key words: Malignant, neuroleptic, syndrome.