AORN Journal CE Articles

This January issue includes a CE article on packaging, labeling, storing, and disposing of autologous tissue; and a CE article on reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism in surgical patients. The Clinical Issues column explores containment of unopened sterile supplies during procedures, contamination of solutions in sterile basins, preventing contamination of solutions in sterile basins, and surgical mask selection.

1. Guidelines in Practice: Autologous Tissue Management

During a surgical procedure, the surgeon may remove tissue to be preserved and stored for replantation or autotransplantation on or in the same individual during a subsequent procedure. The AORN “Guideline for autologous tissue management” provides guidance to perioperative personnel for preserving and handling autologous tissue (eg, cranial bone flaps, parathyroid tissue, skin, vessels) that will be replanted or autotransplanted in the same facility in which the tissue was surgically removed. This article discusses guideline recommendations on packaging, labeling, storing, and disposing of autologous tissue.

2. Back to Basics 2.0: Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a collective term that includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the body. Pulmonary embolism is a serious complication that results when the DVT clot breaks away from the vein wall and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. This article provides some basic steps that perioperative leaders and staff members can implement to reduce the risk of VTE in surgical patients.

Clinical Issues—January 2021

This month’s Q&A column addresses the following topics:

• Containment of unopened sterile supplies during procedures
• Contamination of solutions in sterile basins
• Preventing contamination of solutions in sterile basins
• Surgical mask selection