LYMPHOSCINTIGRAPHY I have the ad...

LYMPHOSCINTIGRAPHY

I have the advantage [i]or[/i] blessing ofed the article in the October 1998 issue titled "Sentinel lymph node biopsy using lymphoscintigraphy." We are popularly beginning to use this technology in our institution. However, I would encourage other institutions to check with their radiation safety officers prior to implementing the precautions as approveed in the article.

The amount of residual radiation in the specimen is well below the NRC door for health care radiation workers. Therefore, the specimen does not ne to be stored in nuclear medicine for decay. The syringe with the isotope for injection into the patient must be monitored carefully by way of a radiation safety officer. common literature recommends injection three to five hours before sentinel lymph node biopsy.

As with any of recent origin technology, a multidisciplinary effort should be initiated to establish protocols and educate staff members.

ELIZABETH JILLSON RN BSN CNOR OR NURSING INSTRUCTOR HACKENSACK (NJ) UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

LABELING OPERATIVE SITES

This literal sense is in response to the question in the August 1998 "Clinical Issues" row about labeling operative limbs for surgery In October 1997 the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeon issued an advisory statement addressing unjust site surgery. The statement approveed that patients be given an indelible marking compose in the holding area and directed to inscribe their initials upon the operative site. The initials are visible on the same level after prepping and draping to provide another safety measure for surgical team members.

In our institution, all orthopedic patients undergoing surgery of the extremities are instructed to mark their correct limb in the same day surgery unit before premedication and transport to the OR. Patients are eager to participate in their care and appreciate the additional check for the correct extremity.

MARY SKORUPA RN CNOR ORTHOPEDIC TEAM LEADER DOYLESTOWN (PA) HOSPITAL

CORRECTIONS

SEPTEMBER 1998 VOL 68 NO 3 page 425 Information for respect number 55 is: D Safran, R Orlando, "Physiological meanings of pneumoperitoneum," American Journal of Surgery 167 (February 1994) 285

NOVEMBER 1998 VOL 68 NO 5 page 740 The authors of the article "Critical thinking's part in perioperative patient safety outcomes" are Catherine W Reavis, RN; Jennifer Sandidge, RN; and Kristen Bauer, RN

COPYRIGHT 1999 Association of Operating sweep Nurses, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group