Improved outcome for post-thoracotomy patients using intermittent bupivacaine with epinephrine by the CADD-Plus Ambulatory Infusion Pump.
Comfort in the post-thoracotomy patient is frequently a major care issue. It is particularly relevant for nurses practicing in smaller institutions where physician staff are not "in house" and easily accessible. A retrospective chart audit was used to compare pain therapy in two groups of patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Group 1 patients received traditional pain control therapy primarily by the intravenous route. Group 2 patients received intercostal bupivacaine with epinephrine via the CADD-Plus Ambulatory Infusion Pump Model 5400 (Pharmacia Deltec, Inc., St. Paul, Minn). Narcotic and analgesic medication requirements, length of stay, patient perception of comfort, and nursing interventions for pain management were evaluated. The use of the CADD-Plus infusion pump was found to have a positive outcome on the recovery of post-thoracotomy patients in this institution. They had a decreased length of stay, a decreased perceived level of pain, and used less nursing time for pain control than patients treated with more traditional methods of pain control.
Moldowan
C
C
D000368:Aged; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*
D002045:Bupivacaine; D004837:Epinephrine