RESUMO
Background. Policies for sponge count are not routine practice in most labor and delivery rooms. Ignored or hidden retained vaginal foreign bodies has potentially significant health care morbidity. Case. This was a case of a retained vaginal sponge following an uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal delivery. Delivery room policy resulted in the discovery of the sponge on X-ray when an incorrect sponge count occurred and physical exam did not find the sponge. Conclusion. This emphasizes the use of protocols to enhance patient safety and prevent medical error.
RESUMO
Loretta Ford, the pioneer of nurse practitioners, was the recipient of the Crystal Trailblazer Award from the American College of Nurse Practitioners in February 2003. In her acceptance speech, the stated that "in some ways, the profession had expanded beyond my wildest dreams," but cautioned against the medicalization of the NP role: "The profession is rooted in nursing ... and we enhance, advance, and influence through nursing." She added: "Medical and nursing interdependency sets the stage for the highest level of care. No one profession can deliver comprehensive health care themselves." NNPs, functioning collaboratively with neonatologists as part of a multidisciplinary team, illustrate the truth of Ford's words. They have clearly and unequivocally made significant strides during the past 20 years. Their achievements and contributions have been many but their potential has yet to be reached.
