Use of intravenous acetaminophen in the treatment of postoperative pain.

Pain management is a crucial component in the care of the postoperative patient. Although there have been innovative advances in pain management and new analgesic modalities, a need still exists for safer and more tolerable analgesics for the management of pain in the postoperative setting. An intravenous formulation of acetaminophen has been available in Europe for more than 20 years and may soon be reaching the US market.

Perianesthesia nursing advocacy: an influential voice for patient safety.

Perianesthesia nurses are called to advocate for their patients, promote a safe work environment, and contribute to the continued advancement of the nursing profession. Nurses must demonstrate vigilance in their nursing care to protect patients from harm. It is an ethical and legal responsibility to request physicians to review with patients their informed consents when they report they do not understand or have questions about the surgical procedure.