Slide Show: The Perioperative RN's Role in Antimicrobial Stewardship and Preventing SSI
This slide show, courtesy of AORN, outlines the critical role that perioperative RNs play in ensuring sound antimicrobial stewardship at every point throughout a patient’s surgical care and driving adherence to actions that can prevent surgical site infection. Antibiotic administration is part of daily practice in the perioperative setting and it is the perioperative RN who has the power to ensure safe use of antimicrobials-including antibiotics-whether provided as prophylaxis or to treat healthcare-acquired infections such as surgical site infections (SSIs). In fact, SSIs are the No. 1 reason for surgical readmissions. Resistance is making these deadly infections more and more difficult to treat, while also creating significant financial loss to hospitals in lost reimbursement.
Beyond the Surface: Tackling the Sterilization Challenges of Flexible Endoscopes
May 26th 2025Flexible endoscopes revolutionized modern medicine—but their complex design poses persistent sterilization challenges. With mounting infection risks and emerging innovations, experts are rethinking how to clean and safeguard one of health care’s most indispensable tools.
Silent Saboteurs: Managing Endotoxins for Sepsis-Free Sterilization
Invisible yet deadly, endotoxins evade traditional sterilization methods, posing significant risks during routine surgeries. Understanding and addressing their threat is critical for patient safety.
Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks
May 7th 2025Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.
