Tag: PROCRNA

The Influence of Perioperative Care and Treatment on the 4-Month Outcome in Elderly Patients With Hip Fracture

With the baby boomers coming of age, the demographics of those seeking health care is changing.  The percentage of those considered “elderly” in the surgical population has had a steady increase over the past few decades.  In a study published in the February 2011 edition of the AANA Journal, Bjorkelund et al discuss risk factors of anesthesia related to the elderly population.

In this study of elderly patients with hip fracture, premedication, prolonged fasting and fracture type were related to postoperative confusion and mortality at 4 month.   The authors found that decreased SpO2, prolonged fasting and increased number of units transfused all impaired recovery and were correlated to a higher mortality rate.  Patients with the longest fasting times tended to receive a larger volume of fluid which may have stressed physiologic reserve.

The effects of preoperative medication on outcome produced an unexpected finding.  In this study, those who received no premedication had a higher rate of confusion and mortality at 4 months.  The authors speculate that either the premedication reduced the stress of surgery and improved outcome or that those who were not premedicated were in a higher risk group and possibly not a candidate for sedation.

Click here to view the study published in the AANA Journal.

Promote your Profession

Nurse Anesthesia has a long and proud history dating back to the late 1800’s.  Watchful Care by Marianne Bankert documents our history and the contributions made by the early pioneers of the profession.  Nurses were selected as the ideal anesthetists because of our attention to detail, vigilance, and commitment to patient safety.  Day in and day out, Nurse Anesthetists delivered quality care to patients and service to surgeons.

In the century that followed, many changes in Health care have taken place but one factor remains constant; the safety and quality of patient care delivered by Nurse Anesthetists.  To support the quality of care we deliver, we must actively promote our profession and contribute to the body of knowledge If we are to remain trusted and respected in the of delivery of anesthesia services.  We must all contribute to promoting our profession.  Some will participate in research or Public  Relations projects.  Others who can not actively work to promote the profession must help by supporting the work of others.

The AANA foundation has the mission of advancing the science of anesthesia through education and research.  The Foundation provides an excellent opportunity for each individual CRNA to support our profession by supporting the research done by our colleagues.  Original studies to promote safe practice and to validate the safety and cost effectiveness of Nurse Anesthesia have been funded and published by the AANA Foundation.

Did you know that last year the AANA Foundation:

Funded $73,045 in research initiatives

Awarded $129,000 in student scholarships

Awarded $250,000 in Post-Doctoral and Doctoral fellowships

Presented 95 research posters

Please take the opportunity to support your profession through support of the AANA Foundation.  Regardless of the size of your contribution, add your name to the list of those who support CRNA research and education through the AANA Foundation.   Click here to go to the Foundation web site.  After reviewing the site, please contribute.