A SWAB Story

This is a tale of when radio-opaque strips in surgical swabs aren't always radio-opaque. Sue Lamont has a 30-year background as a theatre nurse and a theatre manager. Her current role is clinical procurement and risk management coordinator for Surgical Services at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. A recent experience illustrated her job's many challenges.

Mentoring Opens Doors

This article is based on the Daisy Ayris lecture given at the 2003 Congress by Sheila Allen, former Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses president. In it she explores the history and definition of mentoring. Mentors may be persons of rank, achievement and prestige, or they may be a knowledgeable colleague or teacher. They serve as a catalyst to transform as they instruct, counsel, guide and facilitate the development of others.

Non-Heart Beating Organ Donation: A Case Study

The aim of this case study is to discuss the clinical management of a non-heart beating organ donor. This case study will concentrate in particular on the clinical assessment of the potential donor patient undertaken by the donor transplant coordinator (DTC) and the donation process up to the time of transplantation. The author will also describe the differences between heart beating and non-heart beating donors and discuss how transplantation can benefit renal recipient patients.

Has Not Passed Urine: But is the Bladder Full?

Is bladder volume of concern to the perioperative team when the patient is undergoing a procedure not related to the same anatomical area? A common scenario is that the patient is requested to void prior to leaving the ward and their word taken that they have done so. The patient then enters the theatre environment and the only time that urinary function is taken into account is if the blood pressure falls and kidney function needs to be monitored.

Awareness during Anaesthesia: What can be Done to Prevent it?

Awareness during general anaesthesia is a potentially traumatising risk of any general anaesthetic, which can have lasting effects on the patients who experience it. This article assesses the issues and causes of anaesthetic awareness, together with the current status of research being conducted into its prevention, and the effect of market forces and litigation.