Understanding nurse responsibilities in managing postoperative agitation, delirium
Editor's Note A recent article in AORN Journal underscores the need for vigilance and thorough documentation to manage postoperative mental status changes and prevent harm to both patients and staff. As detailed in the article, cognitive disturbances such as delirium and agitation can complicate recovery after surgery. Delirium is characterized…
FDA safety alerts flag cardiac devices
Editor's Note The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued early alerts August 6 for three medical devices due to safety concerns: Medline ReNewal’s reprocessed St. Jude Medical electrophysiology catheters, Boston Scientific’s ENDOTAK RELIANCE defibrillation leads with ePTFE-coated coils, and Boston Scientific's WATCHMAN Access Systems. The Medline alert involves specific lots…
Two ASC employees charged after interfering with ICE arrest in viral incident
Editor's Note Two workers at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) are facing federal charges after allegedly interfering with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest, The Independent July 27 reports. The federal agents reportedly arrested one of the workers and are pursuing the other after both were accused of assaulting…
FDA issues Class I recall for Philips BiPAP ventilators
Editor's Note Philips Respironics BiPAP A30, A40, and V30 Auto ventilators are subject to a Class 1 recall—the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) most severe category indicating risk of serious injury or death—due to the risk for a failure in the Ventilator Inoperative alarm, which can cause therapy interruption…
Cosmetic surgery chains targeted in lawsuits over disfiguring injuries, deaths
Editor's Note A growing subset of cosmetic surgery chains, some backed by private equity, have been named in multiple lawsuits alleging serious patient harm, according to an August 1 article in KFF Health News. Based on a joint investigation with NBC News, the outlets reports that chains offering body-reshaping operations…
Nearly half of hospital patient harm events go unreported, OIG reveals
Editor's Note Nearly half of hospital harm events—particularly surgical events—were not captured by reporting systems, according to a July 30 TechTarget report on new findings from the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG report examined 299 harm events experienced by a nationally representative sample of 770 Medicare patients discharged…
Nurse-led safety forums strengthen escalation of care protocols
Editor's Note A recent article from Cleveland Clinic details the use of confidential staff forums to address barriers to escalating patient care concerns, resulting in greater caregiver engagement and targeted improvements. Published July 25, the article describes how nursing leaders collaborated with the Cleveland Clinic Alliance for Patient and Caregiver…
FDA designates Class I recall for disposable surgical stapler cartridge correction
Editor's Note The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated the recall of Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC’s Endopath Echelon Vascular White Reload for Advanced Placement Tip a Class I, the most severe category indicating risk of serious injury or death. As detailed in the agency’s July 25 announcement, the recall…
Navigating OR construction design, compliance, approval in a booming ASC market
Editor’s Note: This page is a companion piece to the main article, Proper planning prevents OR construction, renovation cost creep. It brings together four focused updates on OR and ambulatory surgery center (ASC) construction and renovation: Regulatory shifts: The Joint Commission's updated safety and sustainability requirements for hospitals and ASCs, including new…
FDA issues safety alert for Baxter Novum IQ large volume pumps
Editor's Note The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an early alert for Baxter’s Novum IQ Large Volume Pumps (Model 40700BAXUS) due to potential for underinfusion when transitioning from a flow rate to a higher flow rate (eg, rate change or bolus). According to the agency’s July 22…
Free Daily News
- Large-scale studies link preoperative cognition to delirium risk, reveal its deadly toll after surgery
- Socioeconomic deprivation linked to lower fitness before surgery, UK study finds
- Perioperative medication decisions need individualized risk-benefit approach
- FDA: National IV saline shortage over after years of strained supply
- FDA announces Class 1 recall for Draeger breathing filters
- Hospital CEO departures surge, boards turn to interim leadership
- Study: Attire shapes patient trust, perceptions
- ASC drill success hinges on preparation, adaptability, clear roles
- Robotic surgery shows better outcomes in select emergency colorectal cases, poised for wider use
- 5 costly mistakes to avoid when building an ASC