ED Nursing articles from December 2004

ED Nursing archives from December 2004

EDs brace for high volumes and acuity due to flu vaccine shortage: take steps now to bolster staffing and prevent transmission in waiting areas.
December 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Due to the vaccine shortage, ED nurses expect higher volumes and acuity. Solutions include prevention of transmission in waiting areas, vaccination of staff, and increased staffing in case of a widespread outbreak. *...

Prepare your hospital for a very unusual flu season: vaccine shortages may wreak havoc with hospital EDs, absenteeism.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... With the unprecedented shortage of influenza vaccine this flu season, hospitals are scrambling to prepare for what may be a record number of flu patients presenting to their already overcrowded EDs and for staff shortages due to record...

You'll need to be ready for pediatric flu cases.
December 1, 2004... In addition to starting earlier than usual, the 2003-2004 flu season was especially hard on the pediatric population, with several deaths occurring among children in Texas and Colorado. As a result, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control...

Don't overlook signs of life-threatening aneurysm.
December 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) include a syncopal episode, tachycardia, and severe back or abdominal pain. Patients with thoracic aneurysms may report intrascapular pain, a ripping sensation in the chest,...

Simple steps reduce risks to elderly trauma patients: they are at much higher risk for adverse outcomes.
December 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Elderly trauma patients have higher mortality rates than younger patients with comparable injuries. You'll need to consider comorbid conditions and medications the patient is currently taking. * Remove patients from...

Thrombolytic guidelines may stop controversy.
December 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY New guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians recommend the use of thrombolytics for stroke patients in the ED within a three-hour time window of onset of symptoms. * Give aspirin to patients who aren't...

Nonpunitive culture helps prevent drug errors.
December 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A nonpunitive culture increases the reported number of actual errors, near misses, and hazardous conditions, which helps improve patient safety through the identification of system failures. * Ask nurses to report all...

Save up to $1,000 a month on patient transport costs.(Cost-Saving Tip)
December 1, 2004... When ED patients at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City, CA, needed transportation home, busy nurses typically handed out taxicab vouchers--a practice that cost the ED up to $1,200 per month, says Stephanie J. Baker, RN, BSN, CEN,...

Use new trauma stats to improve care in your ED.(Cost-Saving Tip)
December 1, 2004... New statistics from, the Chicago-based American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank report have strong implications for your ED. The report's findings are based on more than 1.1 million records from 405 trauma centers in 43 states....

CE questions.
December 1, 2004... After reading this issue of ED Nursing, the CE participant should be able to: * Identify clinical, regulatory, or social issues relating to ED nursing. (See EDs brace for high volumes and acuity due to flu vaccine shortage and Thrombolytic...