iStan Lab 11/14/2016

1. My group completed several tasks. We as a team transferred patient from bedside commode back to bed. We completed a head to toe assessment. Foley and IV lines were both out of patient when arrived on shift so we also completed replacing IV saline lock and replaced the catheter. We also contacted physician and received order for antibiotic therapy. We taught patient about tobacco cessation options.
2. I learned most in simulation is that communication with patient and co-workers is key. It helps maintain a smooth day and being able to complete tasks. I also noticed given a heparin lock flush and verified with co-worker and returned with correct equipment. I learned to pay attention to detail and it will save time and possibly a life.
3. Next simulation I will try to prioritize better and complete task in a timely manner.
4. Watching my peer's simulation was a little difficult to do internet down and watching from iStan control room. I did learn that we need to continue to ask allergies even if we already asked before to repeat again. Also, how important it is to make sure we "save our backs" by raising the bed to work level. In peers simulation, I realized how important it is to talk to patient and explain procedures before starting.
5. How to calculate proper medication dosages, proper hand hygiene and infection control, and IV start and proper procedures with IV's.

I do want to reflect and say I had a better experience this semester than in past. Supplies were a little more organized and more guidance was given beforehand on proper procedure with problems that can cause "hiccups". My main complaint would be that patient was put in awkward position and patient was very heavy which makes it hard to move when it is nothing but dead weight and there are only 2 people that can really get in correct position to move them. There may have been a better way and maybe we will learn this more with experience. Overall a good day at Faulkner hospital and looking forward to moving on to my next journey.

Evidence Based Article

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3876612/?report=printable

The Role of Honey in Healing of Bedsores in Cancer Patients


Honey has been used for many of years for wound healing. It was used before bacteria was discovered. Honey is inexpensive and easy to obtain. This article was determining if honey was truly effective in wound healing and pain control in cancer patients.

The study took 40 cancer patients to study the response of honey on the arms. The method used 20 patients for Study arm which would include Honey plus Metronidazole powder and the other 20 patients for the Control arm which only used the Metronidazole powder. The wound would be washed with normal saline before any medications were applied. Study results did show there was significant difference in wound healing and pain reduction.

I thought this was a very interesting article. It goes to show that means of healing can be done just as well with a cost effective natural product. In pallative care for cancer patients, cost is a major strain on patient and their family and this would be a way to help relieve some of the cost with a product such as honey. The wound care products being used in the healthcare setting can climb to outrageous cost for patient and hospitals. Honey should be offered as a means for healing and pain relief for cancer patients as well as any patients with bedsores.

Hi Marsha