Letters & E-mails

Fluid Waste Fallout
• Re: "How the Fluid Waste Recall Affects You" (April, page 40). The use of the Stryker Neptune has probably prevented many OR nurses and other personnel from being splashed and exposed to body fluids. The shortsighted actions of one individual should not spell the end of using this invaluable tool. Yes, Stryker should have followed the proper channels to achieve FDA approval, but the dearth of common sense is evident in a checklist-obsessed, litigation-happy healthcare environment. Maybe McDonald's should also stop serving coffee because a customer burned his leg in the drive-thru. Never mind that the cup already has a warning on it.

— Name withheld upon request

Multidose Vials Don't Cause Hep C
• Re: "Las Vegas Hep C Outbreak Trial Begins". Large-volume, multi-dose vials do not spread infection. Improper and irresponsible professional practice and technique spread infection. The huge push for individual-dose vials is circumventing the real issue of human carelessness in practice.

Julie C. White, RN, LHRM
TLC Outpatient Surgery & Laser Center
Lady Lake, Fla.
[email protected]

Who's to Blame for Wrong IOL?
• Re: "How These 3 Wrong-Site Surgeries Could Have Been Prevented" (May, page 56). As an ophthalmic registered nurse and certified ophthalmic technician, I take exception to the statement that the pre-op phone call should have verified the lens type to be implanted. A lens implant is chosen based on the desired post-operative refractive error, not, as you state, "correction to 20/20." Implant selection is entirely the surgeon's responsibility after discussion with and examination of the patient. This discussion isn't part of the surgical facility's pre-op phone call. The staff simply selected the lens that was indicated on the order sheet.

Eileen T. Beltramba, RN, COT, CRNO
Eye Surgery and Laser Center
Winter Haven, Fla.
[email protected]

Boston Bombings
• Re: "Postcard from the ASCA Meeting in Boston" (May, page 6). I, too, was captured by every moment and the constant updates from the media. And, yes, I was one of those peering out of the windows of the conference center in disbelief. What a surreal experience. I had driven to Boston with my husband and scheduled a flight back the Saturday the conference was over. With all the craziness, I canceled the flight and opted to drive the almost 1,000 miles back as well. What a scene. Such a beautiful city to endure terrible tragedy. I still think about it as we return to our lives.

Joy Moore, RN
Oak Surgical Institute
Bradley, Ill.
? [email protected]