The Use of Lavender Aromatherapy for Pain After Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted over a threemonth period with 102 participants undergoing a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study purpose was to assess whether there was a reduction in the use of opioids in the postoperative period for THA or TKA participants that utilized lavender aromatherapy as an adjunct to pain medication. The participants in the control and intervention group were administered nonopioid pain medication around the clock and opioids as needed after surgery. However, the intervention group also received a pre-packaged lavender essential oil inhaler. Total oral morphine equivalents (OME) were calculated for each participant to determine opioid usage. Although the total OME was similar for the groups overall, the total OME was slightly lower for THA patients that were enrolled in the intervention group (median 22.5) compared to THA patients that were enrolled in the control group (median 31.2). In the intervention group, 58% of participants reported that the lavender inhaler was a useful tool for pain management and 76% indicated they would continue to use the lavender inhaler after discharge.

CE: Caring for Patients After Ileostomy Surgery.

ABSTRACT: After ileostomy surgery, patients require nutrition and hydration modifications to maintain electrolyte balances and prevent postoperative complications. In addition to becoming dehydrated, patients who have ileostomies can develop obstructions if care isn't taken to avoid certain kinds of foods. Moreover, changes to medications may be needed to manage ileostomy output or account for altered absorption. This article provides information on postoperative hydration, medication, and nutritional management to nurses caring for patients after ileostomy surgery.

Abdominal Soft Tissue Infection Caused by Mycobacterium wolinskyi After Cosmetic Surgery: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium wolinskyi is a rare, fast-growing, painful bacterium causing soft tissue infections. Sparse case reports focus on long-term intravenous antibiotic therapy and surgical interventions. We searched the literature and found almost no discussion about treatment from a nursing and wound care perspective. CASE: Ms P, a 30-year-old Arabic female patient, underwent cosmetic surgery in Iraq including liposuction, abdominoplasty, and herniorrhaphy. One month postoperatively, she presented with an infection identified as M. wolinskyi resulting in multiple hospital admissions. Ms P received treatment with long-term antibiotic therapy and underwent multiple surgical debridements with extensive wound care management. CONCLUSION: Mycobacterium wolinskyi is an exceedingly rare bacterium not typically seen in the clinical setting and requires prolonged and aggressive treatment. It is painful and fast-growing, as evidenced by multiple abscess formations and tissue necrosis in this case. Daily assessments and wound management using a collaborative approach were important to promote optimal healing.