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Biomedical subjects

P R Graling

Publications and source records attributed to P R Graling.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Implementing a perioperative nursing fellowship program.

The population of nurses in the United States is aging. After suffering high OR nurse vacancy rates for several years, leaders at the Inova Health System Implemented a nurse fellowship program. This six-month didactic and precepted learning program is aimed at experienced RNs who do not have OR experience but would like to work in the OR. Two years after implementation, the OR nurse vacancy rate in the health system has decreased from 27% to 15.5%.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Managing the patient with perforated intrathoracic esophagus.

The thoracic perioperative specialty team members at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Va, designed guidelines to improve the management of patients with esophageal perforations. They performed a retrospective analysis of 41 patients who were diagnosed with thoracic esophageal perforations from Sept 1, 1979, through Sept 1, 1996. The review affirmed their philosophy of aggressive, surgical intervention for perforations, particularly for patients diagnosed early (i.e., within 24 hours). The process of examining and communicating the results among OR nurses, anesthesia care providers, and surgeons resulted in the increased efficiency and appropriateness with which patients were incorporated into the hospital's surgical and medical treatment groups.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Bilateral lung volume reduction surgery.

A new surgical approach, bilateral lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), offers hope for select patients with chronic pulmonary emphysema (CPE). Bilateral LVRS procedures involve excision of emphysematous alveoli, which results in a 20% to 30% reduction in the volume of each lung. The goal of LVRS is to improve the respiratory mechanics of patients with CPE by reexpanding functional lung tissue compressed by overdistended emphysematous alveoli, restoring diaphragmatic mobility, and improving the bellows function of the chest wall structures. Patients undergoing bilateral LVRS procedures experience relief from chronic dyspnea and may note improved pulmonary functions and better quality of life.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Demographics and patient treatment choice in stage I breast cancer.

The identification of factors related to patients' treatment selections for breast cancer is important to health care providers. This study examined the relationship of selected demographics to patient treatment choice for stage I breast cancer. The study design was a retrospective chart review from a community hospital's tumor registry. The investigators used frequency distributions, chi-square tests, and factor analyses to analyze a convenience sample of 58 patients with stage I breast cancer who registered in 1992 and 1993. The results show that education level is a significant influencing factor (p = .02) in patients' treatment choices. Perioperative nurses often help patients clarify treatment option information and provide support during the decision-making process. Demographic factors may affect patients' perceptions of critical information and directly influence their treatment choices.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

The lithotomy position in colon surgery. Postoperative complications.

The modified lithotomy position frequently is used in general surgery because it gives excellent simultaneous access to the abdomen and perineum. There are a variety of complications that may occur including lumbosacral plexus stretch, sciatic and peroneal nerve injury, and compartment syndrome of the legs. Through preoperative nursing assessment of a patient's age, nutritional status, skin condition, pre-existing disease state, and anticipated type and length of surgical procedure, patients at risk for developing postoperative complications may be identified. The perioperative nurse's role is to use this knowledge to assist the surgical team in safe patient positioning and optimal intraoperative care.

Adolescent↗