Labeling Operative Sites

JANUARY 1999, VOL 69, NO 1 1, E I T E R S

L YMPHOSCINTIGRAPHY

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enjoyed the article in the October 1998 issue titled “Sentinel lymph node biopsy using lymphoscintigraphy.” We are currently beginning to use this technology in our institution. However, I would encourage other institutions to check with their radiation safety officers prior to implementing the precautions as recommended in the article. The amount of residual radiation in the specimen is well below the NRC threshold for health care radiation workers. Therefore, the specimen does not need to be stored in nuclear medicine for decay. The syringe with the isotope for injection into the patient must be monitored carefully by a radiation safety officer. Current literature recommends injection three to five hours before sentinel lymph node biopsy. As with any new technology, a multidisciplinary effort should be

initiated to establish protocols and of the extremities are instructed educate staff members. to mark their correct limb in the ELIZABETH JILLSON same day surgery unit before RN, BSN, CNOR premedication and transport to OR NURSINQ INSTRUCTOR the OR. Patients are eager to par(NJ) UNIVERSITY ticipate in their care and appreciHACKENSACK MEDICAL CENTER ate the additional check for the correct extremity. LABELING OPERATIVE SITES MARY SKORUPA RN, CNOR his letter is in response to ORTHOPEDIC TEAMLEADER the question in the August DOYLESTOWN (PA) HOSPITM 1998 “Clinical Issues’’ column about labeling operative CORRECTIONS limbs for surgery. In October 1997, the American Association SEPTEMBER 1998, VOL 68, of Orthopedic Surgeons issued NO 3, page 425. Information for an advisory statement addressing reference number 55 is: D Safran, wrong site surgery. The stateR Orlando, ‘‘Physiologicaleffects ment recommended that patients of pneumoperitoneum,” American be given an indelible marking Journal of Surgery 167 (February pen in the holding area and 1994) 285. directed to inscribe their initials on the operative site. The initials NOVEMBER 1998, VOL 68, NO are visible even after prepping 5, page 740. The authors of the and draping to provide another article “Critical thinking’s role in safety measure for surgical team perioperative patient safety outmembers. comes” are Catherine W. Reavis, In our institution, all orthope- RN; Jennifer Sandidge, RN; and dic patients undergoing surgery Kristen Bauer, RN.

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Multimedia Products of Congress Sessions Sound Images, Inc, the official taping company for Congress, will be open for audiotape and videotape sales on Saturday, March 27, 1999, in the concourse lobby of the Moscone Center. Most

general sessions will be audiotaped and videotaped for your convenience. Other sessions are audiotaped. Check with Sound Images on site for more information.

OR Nurse Week Posters Displayed at Congress AORN again will host its annual OR Nurse Week poster contest at Congress. The OR Nurse Week posters will be displayed in the north lobby of the Moscone Center, Sunday, March 28, through Thursday, April 1, 1999. The posters are created by chapters and facilities across the nation to help document their OR Nurse Week activities. The activities are designed to educate the public about the role of the perioperative nurse. Posters will be judged at Congress based on use of the 1998 OR Nurse Week theme, OR Nurses: The

Spirit of Caring, as well as on creativity, originality, and general artistic appeal. The winner of last year’s competition was AORN of Central San Joaquin Valley (Calif). Limited display space is available. Chapters or medical facilities wishing to display a poster should contact Janet Paulson at (800) 755-2676 x 8235 to request a reservation form, Deadline for space reservations is Feb 12, 1999. After space is confirmed, entrants will submit posters directly to Paulson by March 1, 1999. 21

AORN JOURNAL