Quick Questions Archive, 2004-2005

ASORN Quick Question surveys are sent periodically to members furnishing email addresses. Questions are based on input from members about issues of interest. If you would like to become a member, download an application from this website, or call (415) 561-8513 for more information.

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2005 Questions

1. Dilating and other drops given one at a time five minutes apart are labor intensive for the nursing staff. Combination drops have been used. Wick delivery has been promoted.
   (1) What medications are ordered preoperatively at your workplace?
   (2) Are these drops given one at a time or in premixed combinations? How many total drops are given in the intervals below?
   (3) If administered via a wick or pledget, who prepares the mixture?
   (4) How long does it usually take for adequate dilation? (January 2005)
   
2. Quick Question 14 looked at salary ranges, job title, practice setting, length of service and location of practice. (February 2005)
   
3. Quick Question 15 looked at the use of Schiotz Tonometry. (March 2005)
   
4. During vitrectomy surgery a special wide-angle lens may be used to view the retina. The lens, e.g. AVI or Machamer, is inserted into a handle and held by an assistant. In your practice who is this lens held by? (April 2005)
   
5. Who completes the general (non-eye) preoperative history ? Who completes the general (non-eye) preoperative heart and lung assessment ? Where is the surgery performed? (August 2005)
   
6. Since the introduction of the eye drop Restasis for chronic dry eye syndrome, have you seen a reduction in the number of established patients who had previously presented complaining of this problem without relief? If yes, were other therapies used in conjunction with Restasis? (September 2005)
7. Do your cataract surgery patients self-medicate at home to dilate the operative eye before arrival? (December 2005)
8. Needs assessment survey about retina-focused educational programs (April 2006)

2004 Questions

1. What does your facility use for the preoperative preparation of the eyelids and lashes when the patient is allergic to povodine iodine? (January 2004)
   
2. Do you drape the microscope during cataract surgery? If no, do you use sterile handles or handle covers? Do you drape the microscope during vitrectomies? (February 2004)
   
3. Are certification examination fees paid by your employer? Does your employer offer a salary bonus or a differential to staff that have successfully completed the certification examination? Are you currently a Certified Registered Nurse in Ophthalmology (CRNO)? Have you ever been a CRNO but did not re-certify? (March 2004)
   
4. Do you influence decisions in your work place about the purchase of ophthalmic products and/or equipment? (April 2004)
   
5. When do you consider dilating drops used in your office/clinic outdated (provided the dropper tip was not contaminated during use)? (May 2004)
   
6. To eliminate wrong site surgery, marking the site and taking a time out are part of the new patient safety standards. At your facility, who does the marking? What type of mark is made? What is used to mark? When is the time out/final verification performed? (June 2004)
   
7. Does your facility require needle/sharps/small item counts for ophthalmic procedures? Do surgeons support the protocol for a lost needle/small item at your facility? (July 2004)
   
8. Have you had problems with the adhesives on the eye drapes used during surgery? If yes, describe the problem, Have you had problems with adhesives on grounding pads? If yes, describe the problem. Do you use benzoin? (August 2004)
   
9. Does your private practice office/clinic have an automated external defibrillator? (September 2004)
   
10. Does your facility use the Sterad process for sterilization? If yes, which eye instruments are processed in this way? If no, what system do you use? (October 2004)
    
11. How does your facility clean instruments between cases? (November 2004)
    
12. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations (JCAHO) is looking at how health care organizations verify the qualifications and competence of non-employees. (1) Are you employed by an phthalmologist and accompany him/her to a separate health care organization where you would be considered a "non-employee" for the purpose of participating in the direct care of patients? (2) If yes, are you required by that health care organization to meet the same competency requirements as if you were employed by that organization? (December 2004)

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