heart. "This will minimize edema,"
says a New York CRNA. That's in
line with expert recommendations
that you position patients, especial-
ly those considered high-risk, such
that their heads are either at or
above the height of their hearts.
Experts also suggest periodical-
ly checking head position both
before and during surgery, as
improper shifting can obstruct
blood flow to the optic nerve. You
should also keep a close eye on
intraoperative eye swelling and
pressure.
"We use mirrored prone head
positioners," says Sue Hrnicek,
MSN, CNOR, RN, director of surgi-
cal services at the Columbus
(Neb.) Community Hospital. "Our
anesthesia providers check the
patient's face, and document the
status every 15 minutes."
Other steps you can take to
ensure your patients' vision is
always protected: lubricate their
eyes and tape them closed, and
place their heads in foam head-
rests. Foam eye goggles are also a
good choice, says Ashlie Cramer,
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