Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST): More Common Than You Think.

The number of anesthetic body procedures in the United States is rapidly increasing, with many being performed on an outpatient basis. These procedures are advertised as being safe, and many times the serious complications may not be discussed. Although local anesthetic systemic toxicity is a rare complication, it is associated with an increase in morbidity. The emergency department staff should be aware of the possibility of this rare complication, as well as the variety of resulting symptoms (from minor to severe), potential sequelae, and appropriate management for patients who have undergone an outpatient anesthetic body procedure. Multiple factors contribute to the development of local anesthetic systemic toxicity, resulting in life-threatening effects on the neurologic and cardiovascular systems. Also, the site of administration, along with the local anesthetic agent used, can impact the risk of the development of local anesthetic systemic toxicity. To minimize the risk and ensure the best possible outcome for these patients, emergency department staff must be highly aware of the mechanisms, risk factors, prevention, and management/treatment of local anesthetic systemic toxicity.

Supporting Emergency Care Delivery Through Updated Emergency Nurse Practitioner Competencies.

As multidisciplinary emergency care becomes increasingly complex, all team members must be aware of their respective roles and responsibilities. In the emergency department, nurse practitioners are integral members of the team. They possess a wide range of clinical and leadership competencies that allow them to perform specific and differentiated tasks within the emergency department. A well-defined competency not only contributes to the promotion of a positive work culture but also clarifies performance expectations, identifies skill gaps, and supports team development. Furthermore, it allows the nurse practitioner to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining patient safety. The competencies of emergency nurse practitioners have evolved over the past 2 decades. The authors discuss the importance of establishing clear expectations for emergency nurse practitioner practice in this article and the alignment of competencies with organizational culture and objectives.

Challenges and Opportunities in Population Health: The Role of School Nurses as Complexity Leaders.

The school nurse role parallels the growing complexity of health care, education, and the social needs of youth in the United States. The complex and chaotic environment of the school setting requires leaders to be flexible and to have the ability to recognize and tackle the ever-changing needs of this environment. School nurses are in a prime position to enact change and drive the culture of the community, giving it purpose, while allowing its members to have a focus on their work. Nurses, as complexity leaders, are positioned to understand that change is a continual process that stems from collaboration, complex systems thinking, and innovation mindsets.

Resuscitative Strategies in the Trauma Patient: The Past, the Present, and the Future.

Over the last decade, trends in fluid resuscitation have changed dramatically as have our practices. Research is driving trauma centers across the globe to initiate modifications in fluid resuscitation of the hemorrhagic trauma patients both in the prehospital and intrahospital arena. This is being done by combining the theory of permissive hypotension and damage control surgery with hemostatic resuscitation as the preferred methods of resuscitation in patients with hemorrhagic shock. The literature illustrates that previous strategies we considered to be beneficial are actually detrimental to the outcomes of these severely injured patients. This complex and continuously changing adaptation in practice must be made without losing our strategic focus of improvement of outcomes and recognition of the morbidity associated with bleeding of the trauma patient. Designating limits on large-volume crystalloid resuscitation will prevent cellular injury. These wiser resuscitation strategies are key in the efforts to reduce mortality and to improve outcomes. This article is to serve as a review of each of the resuscitative fluid strategies as well as new methods of trauma resuscitation.

Principles of successful partnerships.

Health care providers must understand and value the unique contributions of all interdisciplinary professionals, with the goal of optimizing the wellness or illness needs of each patient. Work cannot be done in silos, and the ability to develop and sustain effective professional partnerships is essential. Health care teams must work within a complex environment that depends on the shared efforts of multiple professionals to successfully provide care in a fragmented, highly stressed system. Implementing partnerships that foster relationships through shared interests, vision, and values can aid in the coordination of resources to provide a more positive patient experience and outcome. The development of partnerships requires time and acceptance of shared risks and responsibilities. In return, involved parties will be able to build trust, share rewards, and expand the possibilities of what can be accomplished. The purpose of this review is to describe results-oriented partnerships, which include the attributes of collaboration, coordination, and communication. Essential concepts and practical tools for success are reviewed to offer new and existing partnerships a lens through which to view interdisciplinary interactions that can contribute to organizational success and longevity. Potential pitfalls that may impact patient services and organizational health are also discussed.