“Standards of Professional Performance of Registered Nurses in Operating Room” plus 1 more nursing article(s): NursingCrib.com Updates

Standards of Professional Performance of Registered Nurses in Operating Room

Posted: 27 Mar 2011 12:55 AM PDT

Standards of Professional Performance of Registered Nurses in Operating Room

The entry into the professional operating room (OR) nursing as the clinical practice setting of choice is as a staff nurse. A staff nurse should have a degree in Nursing (Nursing) who has successfully passed the nursing licensure examination (registered nurse or RN). A registered nurse should be competent to provide nursing care for all surgical patients and to ensure a safe environment to achieve desired outcomes of surgical interventions.

Eight standards of perioperative practice has been identified that may be used to measure professional performance of registered nurses (RNs) in the operating room (OR).

Quality of Care. The perioperative nurses are expected to systematically evaluate the quality and appropriateness of nursing practice. It is anticipated that RN's in the OR should participate the quality assessment and improvement programs to promote a quality care.
Performance Appraisal. The practice of a perioperative nurse evaluates his or her own performance in context with the professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations. Defining and evaluating professional practice behaviors is an ongoing process. To provide a framework for future growth and development self-assessment and feedback from the health care team members should be gathered.
Education. The perioperative nurse acquires and maintains current knowledge in the nursing practice.
Collegiality. It is expected that a perioperative nurse contribute to the professional growth of his or her peers, colleagues and others by sharing knowledge and expertise through preceptor program, role modeling and mentorships. This assists the colleagues to attain a broader base knowledge.
Ethics. The decisions and the actions of a perioperative nurse on behalf of the patients are determined by the governing ethical principles. Delivery of care and services should be within the practice parameter of not violating the basic rights of the clients.
Collaboration. It is a standard obligation of a perioperaive nurse to collaborate not only with the patient but also with the significant others and health care providers in providing care. To attain the expected outcomes patient care should be a unified effort that is supported by internal and external forces that follows the same goal.
Research. The perioperative nurse uses research findings in carrying out his or her practice.
Resource Use. In the planning and the implementation of the patient care the perioperative nurse should consider factors relating to safety, effectiveness, efficiency, environmental concerns and cost.

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Citicoline Indication and Nursing Management

Posted: 27 Mar 2011 12:29 AM PDT

Generic Name: Citicoline

Brand Name: Nicholin, Somazine, 5′-Cytidine diphosphate choline, CDPC, CDP Choline, CDP-Choline, Citicholine, Citicolina, Cytidine 5-Diphosphocholine, Cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine, Cytidine (5′) diphosphocholine

Classification: Neurotonics, Nootropics

Mechanism of Action

Citicoline seems to increase a brain chemical called phosphatidylcholine. This brain chemical is important for brain function. Citicoline might also decrease brain tissue damage when the brain is injured.It is usually known that phospholipid, especially lecithin, decreases following decline in brain activity with cerebral trauma. Citicoline, which is a co-enzyme, accelerates the biosynthesis of lecithin in the body.

This medication enhances the action of the brain stem ciliary body especially the ascending ciliary body activating system, which is closely related to consciousness, but does not exert effort on the extrapyramidal system. Citicoline increases cerebral blood flow and oxygen consumption of the brain and improves cerebral circulation and metabolism.

Scientific research demonstrates that Citicoline consumption promotes brain metabolism by enhancing the synthesis of acetyl-choline, restoring phospholipid content in the brain and affecting neuron membrane excitability and osmosis (by its effect on the ATP-dependent sodium and potassium pump). When taken orally, its two main components, Cytidine and Choline are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Citicoline is also believed to protect nerve cells when in low oxygen conditions. Citicoline may be used for nutritional support in cerebral vascular disease, head trauma, stroke, and cognitive disorders. It also is used by those who have age related mental decline, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons.

Indication

Parkinson's disease
Head injury
Cerebral vascular disease
Alzheimer's disease
Cerebral surgery or acute cerebral disturbance
Disturbance of consciousness following brain surgery

Special Precautions

Patients with acute, severe & progressive disturbance of consciousness
Administration with hemostatics
Intracranial pressure relieving drugs or use measures to keep body temp low.

Side Effects

Citicoline seems to be safe when taken short-term (up to 90 days). The safety of long-term use is not known. Most people who take citicoline don’t experience problematic side effects. However, these are the common side effects reported by some patients:

Body temperature elevation
Restlessness
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Low or high blood pressure
Tachycardia
Sleeping troubles or insomnia
Blurred vision
Chest pains

Nursing Management

Citicoline may be taken with or without food. Take it with or between meals.
The supplement should not be taken in the late afternoon or at night because it can cause difficulty sleeping.
Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should consult with their doctor before taking the supplements. Not enough is known about the use of Citicoline during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Special attention should be paid for administration in the neonate, premature and children.
Contact the physician immediately if allergic reaction such as hives, rash, or itching, swelling in your face or hands, mouth or throat, chest tightness or trouble breathing are experienced.
Citicoline therapy should be started within 24 hours of a stroke. The physician will prescribe the correct dosage and the length of time it should be taken for a medical condition.

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