Published Articles by BWH Nurses
Cathy Lew, BSN, RN, of Radiation Oncology, co-authored a chapter on total body irradiation and total lymphoid irradiation in a new book: “Radiation Therapy: A guide to patient care.” (eds) Haas, Marilyn; Hogle,William; Moore-Giggs,Giselle; Gosselin-Acomb, Tracy. Mosby, 2007.
Vince Vacca, MSN, RN, CCRN, nurse educator of the Neuroscience ICU, published an article on epidural hematoma, a potentially lethal complication following external trauma and skull fracture to either side of the head. Blood from a ruptured middle meningeal artery accumulates between the inner skull and brain. Often, the brain tissue is minimally injured, making rapid assessment and surgical intervention essential. If treated aggressively, the prognosis is excellent.
“Epidural Hemorrhage and Hematoma.” Nursing 2007, July, Vol. 37, No. 7, page 72.
Vacca also published an article on acute lower extremity paraplegia following emergent repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), an uncommon but devastating complication. Vigilant assessment of these at risk patients and careful management can control cerebrospinal fluid flow and promote spinal cord perfusion resulting in a full recovery.
“Acute Paraplegia.” Nursing 2007, Vol. 37, No. 6, page 64.