The faculty and staff of the MCPHS School of Nursing congratulate Adrianna Clemente of the Boston 2013 cohort for having her poster, the Importance of Discharge Teaching for the Patient with Posterior Gas Injection, accepted at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting on October 15-18. Please find Adrianna’s abstract below.
Anthony Lacina, Beats per Minute editor, had a chance to ask Adrianna a few questions about her experience at and after MCPHS University:
AL: What have you been up to since you graduated from MCPHS-Boston in 2013?
AC: Since graduating, I initially started working in an outpatient day surgery center full time and a nursing home /rehab per diem. After doing that for about a year, I transitioned to Mass Eye and Ear’s ambulatory unit working with pre-operative and post-operative patients, where I have been for over two years.
AL: While a student at MCPHS, were there any memorable experiences?
AC: At MCPHS, the most memorable experience was meeting the friends I still have now. Even though we all worked so hard and struggled together to study, we made the most out of it by doing it together. Now, it is nice to talk to each other about the different experiences we see while working.
AL: After graduation, was there anything that you expected to not see or use again, but come to find that it is very important?
AC: I did not expect to do research again or have to worry about APA format. I am now presenting a poster at the American Academy of Ophthalmology and have to write a paper with APA format while doing some research on it as well.
AL: For the students who are entering MCPHS SON, what advice do you have? Is there anything that you wish you knew as an incoming student?
AC: For incoming nursing students, I suggest to reach out to others for help. I was not aware of how helpful resources the school was until I went. Especially in the nursing program, the professors are very approachable and are helpful about any questions I had. There were times where I wish I went and asked for help sooner rather than struggling to figure something out on my own.
Title: About Face: the Importance of Discharge Teaching for the Patient with Posterior Gas Injection
Author: Adrianna Clemente, RN, BSN
Abstract:
Purpose: Patient compliance with positioning after posterior gas injection is vital for optimal effect and patient safety. The nurses’ role in discharge teaching and resource information can be a key factor in ensuring patients understanding and compliance.
Methods: Patients receiving an intraocular gas injection have to be instructed post-operatively to maintain the position as ordered by the ophthalmologist-depending on the desired effect of the gas. In most cases, this positioning primarily includes maintaining a face-down position, which can be difficult for patients to maintain. Nursing can provide patient with equipment rental information in order to maintain this position in a more comfortable manner. It is important to explain what the purpose of the gas bubble placement is in relation to the surgery as well as the relevance of the face down positioning for the initial healing process. In addition a medical alert bracelet is secured on the patient’s wrist immediately following surgery. Patients need to be advised that they must not remove the alert bracelet until the ophthalmologist does so. Education about the bracelet is important to alert other providers that the gas bubble present and that the patient has positional requirements.
Results: Failure for patient to follow through/ understand the post-operative position restrictions, can bring about complications to their eye.
Conclusion: Patient awareness of possible complications can be made post-operatively during nursing discharge education. It is crucial for patients to understand and comply with positioning requirements post gas injection in order to ensure the best outcome from their procedure and prevent complications. The nurse has the opportunity to support and ensure such understanding during post-op education.
Learning obj: The participant will be able to discuss nursing discharge education and its important role in patient compliance.
Learning obj: Describe complications of poor positioning compliance with patient who have a posterior gas bubble in their eye.
Evidence-Based References
Woods, M. (2016, February 01). Discharge Instructions for Vitrectomy. Retrieved August 23, 2016, from EBSCO Publishing, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nup&AN=2013213515&site=nup-live&scope=site
Woods, M. (2015, December 01). Patient Education-procedure. Retrieved August 23, 2016, from EBSCO Publishing, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nup&AN=2013213521&site=nup-live&scope=site
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