Help with choosing a research topic!

Specialties Operating Room

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Specializes in I.C.U,PERIOPERATIVE NURSING,BSN.

I need help choosing a research topic relevant to the operating room specialty.

I have a couple of ideas in my mind but, i have really not gotten myself to put those words together properly and stream line them to at least 3 research-able topics,

i am contemplating Researching into the following areas:

  • The effect of suture type on the rate of wound healing.
  • The lower morbidity rate of post surgical patients(and fast recovery ) as opposed to medical patients which have lower recovery rates.
  • the effects of type of anesthesia in wound healing.

please these are just ideas, from my own thoughts, and are not in anyway variables.a guide on how to rephrase these identified problems properly would be most appreciated.

also i would welcome ideas, constructive criticisms and contributions, from all the wonderful nurses in this forum.

if there are new or fresh topics you want me to consider looking into, it would be appreciated.

thank you for reading.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

I think a timely research project would be to focus on the complications of obese patients pre, post and intraoperatively. Michelle Obama's campaign involving childhood obesity could tie in well with this subject. There are many factors that you could research regarding this. Just a thought. Good luck!

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

How about the effects of hypothermia on post surgical wound healing?

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Specializes in I.C.U,PERIOPERATIVE NURSING,BSN.

thanks a lot for your prompt response, that's to show how much you all care.

@canesdukegirl. thanks once again for the contribution . please could you expatiate a little more on the topic? i was just thinking wouldnt it be alittle restrictive as regards data collection. if my sample is perhaps restricted only to obese patients? i stand to be corrected, but i just need you to throw more light on the topic please. thanks for your support.

@taketwoaspirin, thanks again that's a nice topic, but i also need more light on the topic.

when you mention hypothermia, is it hypothermia in the pacu, or intraoperatively. how long will these hypothermia lastso as to have an effect on the wound healing process, because most patients with hypothermia, often return back to normal temperature levels, after nursing interventions in the pacu. please i stand to be corrected, just a litte explanation will make it more clearer to me.

please i need some more contributions out there from all the wonderful nurses on this forum.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

Well, let's think about the co-morbidities of an obese patient. They have a higher risk for DMII, they have a higher risk of heart disease and of respiratory compromise. Let's say for example you have an obese pt who has a meniscal tear and it must be repaired surgically. You would first think about airway and how you can assist anesthesia with intubation. An obese pt may need to be intubated with a fiber optic scope. Upon emergence, you will likely need an albuterol treatment if the patient has a hx of respiratory distress. Next you would think about positioning on the OR bed. An obese pt already has compromised vasculature, so you would want some sort of DVT prophalaxis. You must also consider how the surgeon will have ideal access to the surgical site. This often requires the well leg to be placed in a stirrup. So then you would have added pressure to the sacrum. Then you would consider the post op healing phase. Will an obese pt heal well? Why or why not? What kind of physical therapy would they need post op?

Jewel, I understand that you are in another country and that you are trying to understand the OR. I applaud you for seeking out this forum as a resource for your studies. I wish you the best, my friend. Keep asking questions!

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Specializes in I.C.U,PERIOPERATIVE NURSING,BSN.

@canesdukegirl u are too much!! u are simply amazing . thanks a lot for the well thought out explanation. i think strongly now that this topic is researchable and indeed timely. u are a indeed truly a nice person. thanks for ur support and encouragement,. ive always known u cant buy experience. thats why i am here. i thank all d wonderful nurses on this forum. pls keep contributing.

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