Patricia Stein

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a congenital heart defect in which there is no connection between the pulmonary veins and the left atrium. An anomalous connection is established that allows the pulmonary veins to deliver pulmonary venous blood to the right side of the heart rather than to the left side. A patent foramen ovale or an atrial septal defect develops in utero, allowing a right-to-left shunting of blood without which the infant would die. This article describes normal embryology, abnormal embryology that results in TAPVC, types of anomalous connections, how TAPVC is diagnosed, surgical correction, and nursing interventions when caring for patients with TAPVC and dealing with the concerns of their family members.

Ulcerative colitis—Diagnosis and surgical treatment

Ulcerative colitis is a serious illness affecting the colon. Extracolonic manifestations include sclerosing cholangitis, arthritis, eye diseases, ankylosing spondylitis, and sacroiliitis. Ulcerative colitis may increase a patients risk of cancer, depending on the duration and extent of the disease. Surgery is the only definitive way to remove the disease in its entirety. It may be possible for patients who do not wish to have a permanent stoma to undergo a restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Normal bowel physiology, pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis, medical and surgical treatments, and postoperative complications are discussed.

Profile of a Successful AORN Foundation Scholarship Applicant

Each year, the AORN Scholarship Committee selects recipients of AORN Foundation scholarships to support educational advancement. Competition for scholarships increases as more AORN members return to school. Successful applicants are attentive to detail in following application guidelines, clearly articulate their appeal for a scholarship, include documentation of academic records and the school or program accreditation status, and convey their passion for caring through service to the community and to others.

Expanding your perioperative practice into the health care industry

Perioperative nurses who pursue nontraditional roles with medical products companies must assess their personal and professional skills to determine if they would fill that role satisfactorily. They must consider the risks involved and determine if the job is appealing. Working as a health care industry nurse can positively affect patient outcomes while providing a company with unique skills and insights. This career choice can be very rewarding.

Perioperative Considerations of Vascular Access for Dialysis

Perioperative nurses can be advocates for dialysis patients by being knowledgeable about various access routes, advantages and disadvantages of each, and associated nursing care. The longevity of vascular access devices depends on avoiding infection and blood clot formation. Perioperative nurses need to assess the knowledge level of the dialysis patient before surgical intervention in any situation.