Members get more than 200 free contact hours through the AORN Journal. Maintain your credentials and save an average of $55 on contact hours per issue. Learn how to access your free AORN Journal CH (PDF).
Already a member? Access free contact hours now. Not a member? Join AORN.
August 2019 Issue
This August issue includes a CE article on how interventional radiology allows for the use of uterine artery embolization and transcatheter arterial embolization to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage; and a CE article on key takeaways from the AORN “Guideline for a safe environment of care” on how to identify hazards and implement processes to mitigate risks in the perioperative setting. The Clinical Issues column explores safe patient handling techniques during lithotomy positioning, pregnancy test recommendations, cell phones in the OR, and reducing personnel injury while using a radiologic protective apron.
Featured CE Articles
Using Interventional Radiology to Treat Postpartum Hemorrhage
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious complication of giving birth that can result in death. Interventional radiology allows for the use of uterine artery embolization and transcatheter arterial embolization to prevent and treat PPH. These procedures are minimally invasive options that use the uterine or internal iliac arteries to place either a balloon or embolic material to stop the bleeding. These techniques also can be used as a preventive treatment for women with known placental abnormalities who are at an increased risk of hemorrhaging. This article discusses causes, early recognition, and treatment of PPH.
Guideline Implementation: A Safe Environment of Care
The OR can be a hazardous environment for both patients and personnel because of many factors that can lead to an accident or injury. The AORN “Guideline for a safe environment of care” provides guidance to perioperative personnel on identifying hazards and implementing processes to mitigate risks in the perioperative setting. This article elaborates on key takeaways from the guideline, including precautions to reduce the risk of OR fires; occupational injuries associated with slips, trips, and falls; and handling, storing, and using hazardous chemicals.
August 2019 Clinical Issues
This month’s Q&A column addresses the following topics:
- Using safe patient handling techniques during lithotomy positioning
- Pregnancy test recommendations
- Cell phones in the OR
- Reducing personnel injury while using a radiologic protective apron
