Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) is the go-to treatment for gallstones and other gallbladder diseases. This learning activity will discuss the incidence and prevalence of symptomatic gallstones, the key surgical techniques established to ensure safe gallbladder removal, and the critical safety aspects and activities for laparoscopic instrument reprocessing and surgical supplies—such as cystic duct clips—that help every LC patient avoid complications and experience an optimal postoperative outcome.

An overview of the types of chest drains, indications for effective use and key management factors will be described. The safe and effective use of chest drainage systems will be discussed so that nurses can provide high quality care for their patients to achieve optimal care outcomes.

This educational activity will review the essential concepts and role of perioperative personnel in IUSS as it applies to surgical instruments. Industry leading standards and guidelines will be discussed and key practices for adherence to evidence-based practices will be explained.

Experts predict a shortfall of 18 to 20 million healthcare workers by 2030, which constitutes a developing public health crisis that demands an urgent response. Do your part to address nationwide staffing issues with tips for ramping up recruitment and retention efforts in your facility.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is considered a leading cause of disability and pain worldwide with an economic burden on the United States (US) health system of up to $100 billion every year. This educational activity will help learners achieve a greater understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of vertebrogenic LBP.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is considered a leading cause of disability and pain worldwide with an economic burden on the United States (US) health system of up to $100 billion every year. This educational activity will help learners achieve a greater understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of vertebrogenic LBP.

Learn about the definition, dynamics, and attributes of unconscious bias; explore the nature of unconscious biases and how they can affect health outcomes; and examine tools and educational approaches to help HCPs recognize, reflect on, and change unconscious bias to avoid harm to patients.

This course provides an overview of the considerations in the selection and use of surgical gowns as a protective measure for both patients and staff. You'll review five criteria used in the selection of surgical gowns, the various types of materials used in the manufacture of surgical gowns, and a case study that will help you solidify your understanding.

While great strides have been made in protecting the patient, perioperatively-acquired pressure injuries continue to occur. This program discusses factors that contribute to the formation of pressure injuries in surgical patients, pressure injuries identification and staging, and strategies to prevent perioperatively-acquired pressure injuries.

This ebook discusses foreign debris-initiated post-surgical complications and their associated pathological mechanisms. It reviews the sources of debris contamination, including a description of foreign microbody characteristics that can further amplify pathological responses. Strategies to determine the presence of lint in the OR and recommendations for minimizing their presence are highlighted.

This continuing education activity will provide a review of the key criteria for evaluating the performance of surgical fabrics. The critical traits of quality surgical fabrics will be outlined, including a discussion of their clinical significance in the perioperative practice setting, with a focus on linting and barrier protection.

This educational activity provides an overview of gender and racial/ethnic musculoskeletal disparities, the relationship between obesity, osteoarthritis, and other comorbidities, and the potential impact of the AMA recognition of obesity as a disease. Also discussed are cultural and health literacy considerations of the patients most at risk for disability from osteoarthritis – obese African American and Hispanic women.

This educational activity is for the healthcare professional who is involved in the care of patients who are at high risk for arthritis and comorbidities, such as obesity and depression. At-risk individuals include women and those of African American and Hispanic descent. This group demonstrates “health disparities”, which are preventable differences in health status.

Review advanced treatment strategies for the management of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) including maintaining an optimal environment for wound healing and the benefits of compression therapy to reduce pain, facilitate healing and prevent recurrence.

Because there are various types of detergents available today, all personnel involved in the care and cleaning of surgical instruments must be knowledgeable about these agents and the proper instrument cleaning process. This continuing education activity will provide a review of the key considerations related to the selection and use of detergents and disinfectants for instrument cleaning.

This educational activity reviews the clinical team members roles related to fluid management, clinical considerations for use of fluid management, proper patient positioning, possible complications associated with fluid management, safety considerations and recognized (AORN, AAGL) standards of care.

This ebook has been designed to assist perioperative professionals deliver safe and effective patient care when smoke evacuation is used during operative and invasive procedures. The topics presented include: what we know about surgical smoke; the best defenses against surgical smoke; recommended United States (US) practices, guidelines, standards and regulations as well as international recommendations/guidelines on surgical smoke; and suggested steps for implementing a smoke evacuation program.

Electrosurgery may be hazardous, so it is important that clinicians understand how electricity behaves and relates to electrosurgical function and applications can contribute to its safe use. Knowledge of the intraoperative and postoperative medical and nursing considerations and interventions can impact positive patient outcomes.

Upon completion of this activity, the learner will gain knowledge regarding the common practices and advantages of surgical stapling along with the potential complications; understand tissue thickness and its relevance to cartridge selection; and learn how surgical staplers are selected and used today.

Nurses and clinical leaders should understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and strategies for creating a culture where employees and patients feel respected and valued in healthcare. This continuing education activity will provide nurses and clinical leaders with an overview of DEI and key strategies to foster a culture of inclusion for patients and employees.