PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Litwack

Publications and source records attributed to K Litwack.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Efficacy of ephedrine in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Although reported in the aerospace literature and anecdotally by anesthesiologists, the putative antiemetic effect of ephedrine remains unquantitated. We therefore prospectively studied ephedrine as an antiemetic agent in the perioperative setting in 97 patients undergoing general anesthesia for outpatient gynecologic laparoscopy. Patients were assigned in a double-blind randomized fashion to receive a standardized general anesthetic followed by an intramuscular dose of either ephedrine (0.5 mg/kg), droperidol (0.04 mg/kg), or saline before the conclusion of surgery. Nausea, retching, or vomiting, as well as the degree of sedation and discharge times, were assessed in the recovery room and for 24 h postoperatively. Ephedrine was found to have a significantly antiemetic effect (P less than 0.05) when compared with placebo and an antiemetic effect similar to that of droperidol. Sedation scores were also significantly less in the ephedrine group than in both placebo and droperidol groups. Finally, variations in mean arterial blood pressure among the three groups were not statistically significant. We conclude that ephedrine is an effective antiemetic agent with minimal sedative side effects in patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopy.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Bleeding and coagulation in the PACU.

Understanding normal coagulation processes will allow the critical care nurse to also understand disorders of coagulation. Understanding diagnostic tests used to assess coagulation will also allow the critical care nurse to evaluate disorders of coagulation and to identify patients at risk for bleeding disorders. Both should encourage the critical care nurse to institute appropriate measures designed to minimize and detect further bleeding. Nursing interventions will include maintenance of aseptic technique; minimizing tissue trauma (avoid venipunctures, use of a soft toothbrush); guaiacing stools; monitoring oxygenation and level of consciousness; and monitoring laboratory tests, including hemoglobin and hematocrit, along with laboratory tests of coagulation. Prompt detection and intervention will help minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with bleeding and alterations in coagulation.

Blood Coagulation Disorders↗
PubMed1991

Postoperative pulmonary complications.

This discussion presented the most common causes of postoperative pulmonary complications. The categories of obstruction, hypoxemia, and hypoventilation were used for structure, with the most common causes of each identified. Problems and patients at risk for these problems have been identified along with treatment priorities. The reader is reminded that the categories of obstruction, hypoxemia, and hypoventilation cannot be taken as absolute. The existence of one usually suggests the presence of another.

Humans↗
PubMed1990

Practical points in the care of the obstetric surgical patient.

Although not all PACUs provide care to patients postcesarean section, most PACUs do provide care to patients who are either pregnant for nonobstetric surgery or for patients terminating pregnancy. Although all of these patients will have postanesthetic priorities of airway, oxygenation, and cardiac stability, these priorities are intensified because of the physiological changes associated with pregnancy. Knowledge of these physiological changes can help increase the PACU nurse's ability to understand and meet the needs of the obstetric patient in the PACU.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1990

Care of the patient post-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Caring for the patient post-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair requires knowledge of pathophysiology and surgical procedure. By understanding these, the PACU nurse will be able to set appropriate patient priorities and optimize patient outcome.

Aorta, Abdominal↗
PubMed1990

Practical points in the care of the thoracic surgery patient.

There are three goals in caring for the patient who has undergone thoracic surgery: to optimize respiratory function, to assist the patient in liquifying and mobilizing secretions, and to promote ventilation of available lung tissue. This article discusses PACU assessment of the thoracic surgery patient and nursing priorities designed to promote these three goals.

Humans↗
PubMed1989

Practical points in the management of laryngospasm.

Laryngospasm is an emergency situation and must be promptly recognized. Without quick recognition and proper treatment, the patient's airway may occlude, leading to respiratory arrest followed by cardiac arrest. Because laryngospasm is a potential life-threatening postoperative event, the PACU nurse must remain a guardian of the airway.

Humans↗