The sterility of hospital-prepared Soffban bandages.

An evaluation of the sterility of hospital-prepared Soffban bandages was undertaken. Discs of Bacillus stearothermophilus were inserted into the bandage rolls, prior to sterilization in "porous load" autoclaves. The discs were subsequently removed and placed in culture media, with growth of the organism indicating failure of sterilization. It was demonstrated that Soffban could not be sterilized reliably using standard hospital autoclave techniques.

A template for cultural diversity workshops.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To present a model for a series of workshops designed to improve the ability of oncology nurses to understand and fulfill culturally based needs of racially and ethnically diverse patients with cancer. DATA SOURCES: Published literature and author experience. DATA SYNTHESIS: Most nurses work with patients from a variety of ethnic or cultural backgrounds yet know little of how this affects patients' cancer experiences. Four workshops were presented that focused on the most common ethnic groups in the geographic area. A content template was developed that worked well to ensure complete topic coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Workshops were well-received. Nurses identified barriers to care and interventions that are appropriate for diverse patient populations. The follow-up survey indicated that some anticipated program outcomes may not be feasible if attendees do not regularly work with target populations. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The model can be modified for use in any geographic area. Such workshops should be repeated at regular intervals.

Metastasis to skin.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a review of the incidence, presentation, and nursing care of people with cutaneous metastatic disease. DATA SOURCES: Published articles and book chapters that describe incidence, presentation, and nursing care. CONCLUSIONS: The dermatologic literature provides the best descriptions of cutaneous metastasis. Limited material is published on treatment methods. Nursing care is best abstracted from wound care publications, although these do not directly address the complexity of the issues involved in cutaneous metastatic disease. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses are challenged with pain management, infection control, choice of appropriate dressings, and odor elimination. Skilled assessment of skin problems can lead to earlier detection and prompt intervention with treatment before the tumor has ulcerated and created the emotional challenge that patients and their families then must face.

Alignment of total knee arthroplasty: the relationship to radiolucency around the tibial component.

Between January 1982 and July 1985, 122 cemented 'Accord' total knee replacements were performed. Out of this number, 21 were lost to follow-up because of death (in 16), revision (2) due to infection, and failure to attend (3). The post-operative alignment of 101 prostheses were compared to the incidence of radiolucencies around the tibial component at 5 years follow-up. The mechanical axis was used as a reference. The mean alignment was 0.99 degrees valgus with a standard deviation of 2.48 degrees. Some 72% of knees were within 3 degrees and 94% within 5 degrees of true alignment. Using two methods of assessing radiolucencies there was a non-significant relationship between the alignment and radiolucencies. The alignment tolerance with this prosthesis is, therefore, at least 5 degrees.

Detection thresholds of potassium salts are related to the molar conductivity of the anion.

In a previous study, we found that human taste detection thresholds for Na+ salts were linearly correlated with molar conductivity values at infinite dilution of their anions. In the present study, detection threshold concentrations for potassium salts were also found to be linearly correlated (r = -0.92) with the molar conductivity of the anion of the salt. Detection thresholds were determined here for nine potassium salts with the same anions as the sodium salts previously tested. The mean detection thresholds for these potassium salts were found to be: K Acetate (0.00311 M), K Carbonate (0.00286 M), K Chloride (0.00242 M), K Citrate (0.000300 M), K Phosphate (0.00196 M), K Sulfate (0.00090 M), K Tartrate (0.00164 M), K Glutamate (0.00153 M), and K Ascorbate (0.00375 M). The rank order correlation between the detection threshold values for sodium and potassium salts was 0.88. This finding suggests that detection thresholds for both Na+ and K+ salts are determined by the charge mobility of the anion.

Accuracy of intramedullary alignment in total knee replacement.

The accuracy of a system of intramedullary alignment using 6 mm rods was assessed in 100 patients undergoing total knee replacements. Post-operative, full length weight-bearing X-rays were used; the mechanical axis from head was used as the reference axis. The method of calculating the errors produced by flexion and rotation of the limb in relation to the X-ray beam is described, the mean deviation from the mechanical axis in 100 cases being 0.67 degrees valgus with a standard deviation of 2.47 degrees. The maximum error was 6.68 degrees valgus and 4.62 degrees varus. The purpose of this study is twofold, first to assess the accuracy of this system of intramedullary alignment and, second, to develop a method of correcting for apparent radiological misalignment using standard radiographic equipment.

Transient response of diffusion dosimeters.

A gas sampler that operates on the principle of molecular diffusion was analyzed theoretically for its time dependent response. Applying Fick's second law of diffusion and the mathematical procedure of separation of variables and Duhamel's superposition integral, a simple technique is developed to correct concentration measurements for short term sampling and to estimate error when sampling real-time transient atmospheres.