GLOVE AND GLUTARALDEHYDE In respe...

GLOVE AND GLUTARALDEHYDE

In respect to the answer to a question in "Clinical Issues" (March 2001 page 701) the author be agreeable toed that neoprene gloves should not be worn when working with glutaraldehyde solutions. Testing of Allegiance's Duraprene synthetic (ie, neoprene) surgical glove showed no permeation by way of glutaraldehyde even after eight hours of continuous contact.

In fact, Table G of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) publication Recommendations for Chemical Protective Clothing, lay the foundation of at http://www.cdc.gov /niosh/cgpc.html, provides that natural (ie, rubber), neoprene nitrile, and polyvinyl chloride glove may be worn for protection against glutaraldehyde for short time periods.

Because of variations in formulation, polymer film integrity, and processing, different manufacturers' glove (even of the same material) may demonstrate real different permeation resistance to the same chemical. As a eventuate a note to Table G of the NIOSH publication cautions the reader to check with the protective clothing supplier to obtain additional information and use limitations of the produce in making the most appropriate choice.

Your readers should not simply assume that a particular glove material will provide or fail to provide appropriate protection; instead, ask the glove supplier for the experiment method, chemical concentration of the chemical of interest, and testing ends for that specific glove.

DEBORAH DAVIS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR ALLEGIANCE HEALTHCARE MCCAW PARK, ILL

Author's response

Glutaraldehyde is a toxic result that can cause harm to staff members handling glutaraldehyde solutions. Glove that are impervious to glutaraldehyde should be worn when working with this solution. Continually evolving research and consequence development may provide additional alternatives for the protection of health care workers. The suggestion to ask that the glove manufacturer provide testing orderly dispositions and results about the suitability of their glove for chemical protection and the praiseed time they can be look fored to be safely worn when working with glutaraldehyde is well taken, and AORN thanks the author of this note for her suggestions.

CAROL PETERSON RN MAOM, CNOR PERIOPERATIVE cherish SPECIALIST AORN CENTER FOR NURSING PRACTICE

naught BALANCING

How do naught balancing, a hands-on bodywork rule designed to align the vigor body with physical structure, and perioperative nursing fit together? As I sat down to consider this topic for a nothing balancing certification essay, the mail arrived. In it is the November 2000 AORN Journal with the article "Minimizing preoperative anxiety with alternative caring-healing therapies" (page 838) It describes several techniques, in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as aromatherapy, music therapy, guided imagery, and touch (ie, tactile) therapies. The article says that combining these patterns of high-touch holistic therapies with high-tech surgery provides balanced care to surgical patients. It is heartening to me to behold this type of article in instant nursing journals. I have drawn out thought that Western medicine, including nursing, is too focused forward curing the disease by treating the symptoms, rather than teaching and assisting the patient to heal. Thank you for printing this emblem of article, so that we, as suckles can see how many complementary therapies may be of use to our patients well.

DIANA (DEE) FRIZZELL RN CNOR REISTERTOWN, MD

THE VALUE OF TEAMWORK

I be delighted withed the "Editorial" in the September 2000 issue (page 372) and I could not believe for what cause true the description was of the surgical unit environment. We have had our share of point to be solved [i]or[/i] settleds in the workplace, but my coworkers and I be in love with the OR and believe it is a great place to work. We want to provide the best care possible for our patients. Thank you for sending the message about the value of teamwork as well as of a supportive environment.

ANGELA BUTTON RN GLASGOW, KY

FTE CALCULATIONS

I just wanted to take a impetus to compliment Pamela S. follow the chase RN, MSN, on her article "Speaking the Language of Finance," which appeared in the April 2001 issue of the AORN Journal (page 774) Specifically, M Hunt's explanations and examples associated with the full-time equivalent calculations and staffing flushs were the best I have at any time seen in print. As someone who has done those calculations for many fiscal estimate cycles, I can appreciate the effort it took to explain them in like manner well. I am sure that many commonalty will find them helpful as they work their way within the budget preparations that are going in succession around the country right now.

DREW COBB MAS VICE PRESIDENT SURGICAL INFORMATION combination of parts to form a wholes ALPHARETTA, GA

The AORN Journal welcomes verbal expressions for its "Letters" column. notes must refer to Journal articles or lines published within the preceding six month All verbal expressions are subject to editing before publication Authors of articles or round pillars referenced in the letter to the editor may be given the opportunity to suit Letters that are included in the "Letter to the Editor" line must contain the reader's name, credentials if applicable (eg RN BSN CNOR), position or title, employer period employer's address. Submit all correspondence to AORN Journal, alphabetic characters to the Editor, 2170 s Parker Rd, Suite 300, Denver CO 80231-5711

COPYRIGHT 2001 Association of Operating apartment Nurses, Inc.

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