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RN First Assistants Expand Their Perioperative Role
Author(s) -
Hlozek Christopher C.,
Zacharias Walter M.,
Mizener Karl A.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/s0001-2092(06)62825-1
Subject(s) - medicine , perioperative nursing , perioperative , intensive care unit , hemostasis , radial artery , artery , surgery , general surgery , intensive care medicine
At the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the RN first assistant (RNFA) role has expanded to include radial artery (RA) harvesting for coronary artery bypass surgery. This new role encompasses preoperatively assessing the RA with the Allen's test and perfusion index; intraoperatively removing the RA, dissecting the RA as a pedicle, and maintaining hemostasis and wound closure; and postoperatively collaborating with the postoperative nurse clinician during patient care and management in the intensive care unit. This article outlines the RNFA's expanded role in this detailed surgical procedure. AORN J 67 (March 1998) 560–566.