M Hakendorf | PubMed Health

PubMed1984

Antibiotic prophylaxis in hysterectomy--cefotaxime compared to ampicillin-tinidazole.

The role of prophylactic cefotaxime and a combination of ampicillin and tinidazole was assessed in 201 patients undergoing hysterectomy. One hundred and twenty-five patients were evaluated in the abdominal hysterectomy group and 46 patients completed the protocol after vaginal hysterectomy. Patients were allocated randomly to receive either (1) no prophylactic antibiotic, (2) cefotaxime peroperatively for 24 h or (3) ampicillin/tinidazole peroperatively for 24 h. Both cefotaxime and ampicillin/tinidazole reduced the septic complication rate in abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy. Efficacy was most evident in reducing early urinary infections after abdominal hysterectomy (0.001 less than P less than 0.01). Cefotaxime and ampicillin/tinidazole were equally effective and no significant side-effects were demonstrated. Cefotaxime is recommended as a safe and effective agent for hysterectomy prophylaxis.

Adult↗

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Improving aged care education for Australian rural nurses using problem-based learning.

BACKGROUND: A continuing education program in aged care was developed using the principles of problem-based learning (PBL) to improve the participating nurses' understanding of current government guidelines on aged care, to develop their ability to apply this information to their workplace situations, and to give them the confidence and strategies to initiate change in their workplaces. The use of a guided introduction to PBL and the use of journals were important components in the design of this program. METHOD: Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to evaluate the program, and data collected through observation of the participants when working on case scenarios, journal writing, and pre-questionnaires and post-questionnaires were included. Fifteen nurses participated in the program. RESULTS: Participants developed a holistic approach to aged care, reflected on their practice in the journals, developed an understanding of the current aged care guidelines, and acquired the skills, strategies, and motivation to make changes in their workplaces. CONCLUSION: PBL enabled the nurses to link theory with practice, not only through the case scenarios considered in the program, but also when reflecting on their work practices in their journals. The use of journals by participants and the guided introduction to the PBL approach were important factors in the Aged Care Program's success.

Aged↗