Every surgical procedure requires positioning the patient; however, all surgical positions are associated with the potential for the patient to experience a positioning injury. The locations and types of potential injuries (eg, stretching, compression, pressure injury) depend on the position. Factors that may increase the patient's risk for an injury are the length of the procedure and risk factors inherent to the patient (eg, weight, age, frailty). AORN's updated "Guideline for positioning the patient" provides guidance on injury prevention practices for all surgical positions including supine, Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, lateral, lithotomy, prone, and sitting positions and modifications of these positions. This article focuses on the key points of the guideline covering the use of prophylactic dressings, neurophysiological monitoring, and safely positioning the patient in the supine and prone positions. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.

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Research has linked health care providers' long work hours with patient care errors. Perioperative staff members often work extended hours because of long shifts and being on call. AORN's on-call electronic task force conducted a survey of nurses to determine their work load, call scheduling, and experiences related to fatigue. Of the 1,013 respondents, 67.7% said they had experienced effects of sleep deprivation. A follow-up survey revealed that few call programs are in compliance with AORN's recommended practices. Compliant call programs are detailed for adaptation in other perioperative settings.

THIS MONTH Patient jewelry removal before a procedure Key words: jewelry, piercing, monopolar electrosurgery, dispersive electrode, dermal implants. Ankle monitoring devices in the OR Key words: ankle monitor, monopolar electrosurgery, law enforcement, dispersive electrode. Location parameters for automated endoscope reprocessors Key words: endoscope, automated endoscope reprocessor (AER), sterile processing department (SPD), decontamination. Prewarming the OR bed Key words: prewarming, forced‐air warming, redistribution, heat loss, OR bed.

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