Perioperative nurses' perceptions of stress in the workplace

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STRESS IS A FACTOR that affects nurses on a daily basis and can result in nurses' absenteeism, hostility, and aggression, as well as reduced productivity and efficiency.

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ONE HOSPITAL in Northeast Florida conducted a quality improvement project with perioperative nurses to determine which of the work situations they encounter are perceived as most stressful and the frequency with which these situations occur.

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RESULTS FROM THE SURVEY showed that the majority of perioperative nurses found situations that fall into the category “crisis on the job” were the most stressful but occurred least frequently. Many interpersonal relationship factors were identified as stressful, and items in this category occurred frequently.

     

In vivo oxidative metabolism of a major peroxidation-derived DNA adduct, M1dG

3-(2-Deoxy-beta-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl)pyrimido[1,2-alpha]purin-10(3H)-one (M1dG) is a DNA adduct arising from the reaction of 2-deoxyguanosine with the lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde, or the DNA peroxidation product, base propenal. M1dG is mutagenic in bacteria and mammalian cells and is present in the genomic DNA of healthy human beings. It is also detectable, albeit at low levels, in the urine of healthy individuals, which may make it a useful biomarker of DNA damage linked to oxidative stress. We investigated the possibility that the low urinary levels of M1dG reflect metabolic conversion to derivatives. M1dG was rapidly removed from plasma (t(1/2) = 10 min) after i.v. administration to rats. A single urinary metabolite was detected that was identified as 6-oxo-M1dG by MS, NMR spectroscopy, and independent chemical synthesis. 6-Oxo-M1dG was generated in vitro by incubation of M1dG with rat liver cytosols, and studies with inhibitors suggested that xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase are involved in the oxidative metabolism. M1dG also was metabolized by three separate human liver cytosol preparations, indicating 6-oxo-M1dG is a likely metabolite in humans. This represents a report of the oxidative metabolism of an endogenous DNA adduct and raises the possibility that other endogenous DNA adducts are metabolized by oxidative pathways. 6-Oxo-M1dG may be a useful biomarker of endogenous DNA damage associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and certain types of cancer chemotherapy.     

The Canadian introduction to the Greenlight laser

The Greenlight laser--a high powered laser used for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia--was used for the first time in Canada in Newmarket, Ontario by Dr. Liquornik BSc MDCM FRCSC in 2003. The laser is proving to eliminate hospital stay, decrease the catheter indwelling time from one week to less than 28 hours, decrease pain and suffering and make repeat procedures something rare. The laser melts away the prostate and leaves a urethra that is unscathed by the effects of the laser because the beam concentrates on the overgrown prostatic tissue only. The patients are very satisfied and back to normal routines in one to two days.     

Holistic care facilitates seamless transitions for a community-dwelling elder: a case study

Community-dwelling seniors with declining self-sufficiency are at risk for premature institutionalization. Early intervention while the senior has capabilities is the solution for guiding the elder to appropriate care along the continuum. This article demonstrates how a gerontological nurse as facilitator of healing helped an elder achieve the desired maximum quality of life.