In glancing through my emails this morning I discovered something new I didn’t know and it serves to support my position that you never learn everything in nursing school because technology and patient care are constantly evolving.
According to a blog post on Lippincott’s NursingCenter Blog, the Trendelenburg position is no longer considered a safe mechanism for treating hypotension, shock and other emergency aspects of care especially for head injuries, right ventricle ejection fraction, and pulmonary disorders.
There is apparently research showing controversy and possible detrimental effects of using this posturing treatment. The practice is being removed from ER and ICU care until further research can be conducted. Are you still using this technique?
Apparently it is still considered an appropriate position for insertion of central lines to prevent air embolism and facilitate cannulation, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Remember, it’s important to safe quality practice to stay up to date on trends and changes in nursing care.
