ED Nursing articles from February 2003

ED Nursing archives from February 2003

Is it smallpox? When panicked patients storm the ED, nurses will be the refuge: take steps now to prevent major problems later.
February 1, 2003... Are you ready to isolate a case of suspected smallpox, cope with potentially serious side effects from the vaccine, and answer questions from panicked patients? There is no time to hesitate--these are things you will have to do soon,...

Reserve your smallpox vaccination handbook today.
February 1, 2003... American Health Consultants now offers the Hospital Handbook on Smallpox Vaccination, a facilitywide resource containing all the information you need about smallpox vaccination in most health care facilities and environments. Learn about...

Contraindications listed for smallpox vaccine.(a list of situations in which an individual should not get the smallpox vaccine unless they have been exposed to the virus)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals who have any of the following conditions, or live with someone who does, should NOT get the smallpox vaccine unless they have been exposed to the smallpox virus: *...

Don't allow smallpox to contaminate your ED.(strategies for dealing with a patient with smallpox)
February 1, 2003... Chaotic staffing problems and unexpected side effects aside, the worst case scenario is that a patient with smallpox will present to your emergency department (ED). You need a solid strategy in place before this occurs. Here are effective...

Don't let sepsis threaten patients--watch for signs.(advice for diagnosing and treating sepsis)
February 1, 2003... When a teen-ager came to Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati with a sunburn-like rash, a life-threatening cause was identified by an emergency department (ED) nurse. "He was septic and had meningococcemia, which can kill in...

Avoid EMTALA violations: use these strategies.(it is important for hospitals to have their nurses up to date on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act)
February 1, 2003... If your nurses aren't up to date on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), you risk violations that can result in fines of up to $50,000 per violation, lawsuits for personal injury, and possible termination of the hospital's...

Here are key EMTALA points to know.(the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act "study guide" given to emergency department nurses at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Below is the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) "study guide" given to emergency department (ED) nurses at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, Melrose Park, IL: * Medical screening exam. An emergency medical screening exam must...

Avoid problems with conscious sedation.(emergency departments should do several things to ensure safety when sedating a patient)
February 1, 2003... The emergency department (ED) was busy and short-staffed when a 5-year-old boy presented with a simple 3-cm laceration to his left eyebrow. The mother requested that some form of sedation be used to help calm her child. After obtaining a...

CE questions.
February 1, 2003... 5. Which of the following is true regarding side effects of the smallpox vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? A. Any side effects will occur the day of the inoculation. B. Symptoms usually subside...

Conscious sedation--competency form.
February 1, 2003... The nurse will manage the care of the patient receiving conscious sedation according to "Conscious Sedation with Significant Risk of Anesthesia" policy and procedure: 1. Verbalizes appropriate patient monitoring during procedure. *...

Conscious sedation policy: patient care services.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... * The nurse responsible for managing the care of the patient must complete the initial competency and maintain annual competency in this skill. * Have available: Oxygen, suction, airways, bag valve mask, electrocardiogram monitor, blood...