Table of Contents
Winter 2007 / Volume 25, Number 1
Feature
Parotid Masses: Face the Facts
Jaclyn Wirkus, RN, MSN, FNP-C, APNP, CORLN
Departments
Guest Editorial: Presidential Address from SOHN’s
30th Annual Congress and Nursing Symposium
Hope Andresen, RN, CORLN
Spotlight on Research: Predictive Factors of Immediate
Post-operative Complications after Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Editor: Mary Jo Dropkin, PhD, RN
Reviewer: Carolyn Waddington, RN, MS, FNP, CORLN
Highlights from the Hill: Who’s Talking for You?
Editor: Linda Miller Calandra, MSN, RN, CPNP, CORLN
Author: Barbara Mossman, RN, CORLN
Product of Interest: Tracheostomy Tube Recall
Products of Interest: Influenza Prevention Patient Information
Media Review: Nutritional Resources for Head and Neck Oncology Practice
Reviewers:
Linda K. Clarke, MS, RN, CORLN
Sara Bergerson, RD
Mr. Joe Bauer
Parotid Masses: Face the Facts
Jaclyn Wirkus, RN, MSN, FNP-C, APNP, CORLN
Parotid masses present both functional and aesthetic consequences due to the proximity of the facial nerve and the glands’ alignment with the contours of the mandible. As the largest salivary glands, the parotids participate in providing moisture to the mouth through the production of saliva. This paper presents an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the parotid glands, signs and symptoms of parotid conditions, relevant diagnostic testing, medical and surgical treatment of parotid masses, postoperative recovery, and the role of the otorhinolaryngology (ORL) nurse in the continuum of care and patient education.
Table of Contents
Spring 2007 / Volume 25, Number 2
Feature
Diagnostic Testing for Inhalant Allergies
Helene J. Krouse, PhD, APRN, BC, CORLN, FAAN
Departments
Editorial: Operating in the Green
Susan F. Rudy, MSN, CS-FNP, CORLN
Diagnostic Testing for Inhalant Allergies
Helene J. Krouse, PhD, APRN, BC, CORLN, FAAN
Spotlight on Research: What is a Cochrane Review?
Editor: Mary Jo Dropkin, PhD, RN
Author: Pamela C. Sieving, MS, MA
Highlights from the Hill: The Nurse Reinvestment Act Revisited
Editor: Linda Miller Calandra, MSN, RN, CPNP, CORLN
Author: Ann P. Luther, MSN, APRN, BC, CORLN
Media Review: A Nursing Management Text
Editor: Linda K. Clarke, MS, RN, CORLN
Reviewer: Cindy J. Dawson, BSN, RN, CORLN
Products of Interest: The Sounds of Handheld Audio Players
Susan F. Rudy, MSN, CS-FNP, CORLN
Diagnostic Testing for Inhalant Allergies
Helene J. Krouse, PhD, APRN, BC, CORLN, FAAN
Allergic rhinitis is one of the most commonly treated disorders seen in otolaryngology office settings. It is often difficult to distinguish the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis from other causes of rhinitis. Many times these nasal symptoms can be effectively treated using nonspecific pharmacotherapeutic agents in conjunction with general information on ways to reduce exposure to allergens or irritants in the environment. When allergic rhinitis is suspected and a targeted treatment approach is needed, allergy testing can confirm the diagnosis and guide effective treatment for the condition. This paper will discuss various methods for diagnosing inhalant allergies with a special focus on a newer approach to skin testing known as modified quantitative testing or MQT. This paper will also present an overview of the immune response as it occurs in allergic rhinitis, along with a discussion of common inhalant allergens. Finally, this paper will offer a general approach to allergy testing and patient preparation.
Table of Contents
Summer 2007 / Volume 25, Number 3
Feature
Evaluating and Managing Delirium, Dementia, and Depression In Older Adults Hospitalized with Otorhinolaryngic Conditions
Joyce Landers, RN, BA, MS
Alice Bonner, APRN-BC, GNP, FAANP
Departments
Editorial: The History of ORL-Head and Neck Nursing
Barbara Sigler, RN, MNEd
Linda K. Clarke, MS, RN, CORLN
Linda T. Schuring, MSN, RN
Susan F. Rudy, MSN, CRNP, CORLN
Spotlight on Research: A Pilot Study of Chlorhexidine and
Benzydamine Oral Rinses for the Prevention and Treatment of
Irradiation Mucositis in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Editor: Mary Jo Dropkin, PhD, RN
Reviewer: Diane Reynolds, RN, MS, OCN, CNE
Media Review: Writing Resources
Reviewers:
Alicia Livinski, MPH, MA
Linda K. Clarke, MS, RN, CORLN
Poetry Corner: Katie
Linda K. Clarke, MS, RN, CORLN
Evaluating and Managing Delirium, Dementia, and Depression In Older Adults Hospitalized with Otorhinolaryngic Conditions
Joyce Landers, RN, BA, MS
Alice Bonner, APRN-BC, GNP, FAANP
Nurses caring for patients who have otorhinolaryngic conditions undergoing medical and surgical treatments find that their patient populations are becoming older and sicker. These patients are more likely to develop delirium, often superimposed on depression or dementia. Sorting out the medical, surgical, and psychosocial changes in geriatric patients presents unique challenges to otorhinolaryngology (ORL) nurses. This paper reviews the evaluation and management of delirium, dementia, and depression in hospitalized elders, focusing on a new resource, the evidence-based
Mental Health Toolkit, developed by the National Conference of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners (NCGNP). The paper further provides material for a structured journal club activity, including a common ORL clinical scenario and learning objectives, as well as discussion questions and answers.
Table of Contents
Fall 2007 / Volume 25, Number 4
Feature
A Go Kit and a Caddy: Airway Management Preparedness for
Patients with a Tracheostomy or a Laryngectomy
Joyce Truman, RN, BSN, CORLN
Linda Arsenault, RN, MSN, CNRN
Terry Edson, LPN
Departments
Editorial: Communication Mandates and Challenges in
Serving Otorhinolaryngology Patients with Limited English Proficiency
Susan F. Rudy, MSN, CRNP, CORLN
Product of Interest: Cetuximab Extends Survival in Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer
Spotlight on Research: Breaking Bad News: Evaluation Study on Self-Perceived Competencies and Views of Medical and Nursing Students Taking Part in a Collaborative Workshop
Editor: Mary Jo Dropkin, PhD, RN
Reviewer: Suzanne Marie Carr, PhD, RN
Product of Interest: Audio CD: Turn it to the Left
Of Specialty Interest: Working Effectively with Live Language Interpreters
Susan F. Rudy, MSN, CRNP, CORLN
Media Review: Books for a Nurse’s Gift List
Reviewers:
Linda K. Clarke, MS, RN, CORLN
Ann T. McKennis, RN, CNOR(E), CORLN
A Go Kit and a Caddy: Airway Management Preparedness for
Patients with a Tracheostomy or a Laryngectomy
Joyce Truman, RN, BSN, CORLN
Linda Arsenault, RN, MSN, CNRN
Terry Edson, LPN
This paper describes quality improvement projects by three different multidisciplinary groups. The combined work from these groups addresses the staff’s ability to provide safe, efficient, and expedient airway care during transport away from their home-base inpatient unit for patients who have a tracheostomy or a laryngectomy. The convened multidisciplinary project groups developed airway management algorithms, a “Go Kit,” tracheostomy supply caddies, and a transportation communication check list. This paper further describes associated staff education with revised policies and procedures (DHMC Clinical Operations Policy Library 2005; 2006; 2007).