ED Nursing articles from February 2004

ED Nursing archives from February 2004

Dramatic changes in care are needed for elderly trauma patients in your ED; provide optimum care to this vulnerable population.
February 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Women age 65 and older are the most likely group to be hospitalized after an injury, according to new statistics. You must identify effective ways to meet the unique needs of elderly trauma patients. * Patients on...

Brace yourself: flu cases can wreak havoc; CDC issues new guidelines.
February 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EDs nationwide are reporting record numbers of flu patients. New guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention give effective strategies to limit exposure. * Administer flu shots in the ED to make it...

Don't miss red flags in frequent patients.
February 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY There is a danger of overlooking life-threatening conditions in patients who come to the ED frequently. * Create a care plan for patients with chronic conditions such as migraines. * Avoid labeling patients as...

Can you recognize problems from gastric procedures?
February 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Increasing numbers of morbidly obese individuals are having gastric procedures for weight loss, and complications may bring patients to your ED. * The most common problem is vomiting, which is usually due to dietary...

Protect yourself when caring for TB patients.
February 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY To reduce risks of exposure to tuberculosis (TB), place surgical masks on patients and put on an N-95 mask. * If you suspect TB, isolate the patient immediately. * Instruct patients to don masks and cover mouth...

Want to save $60,000? Try electronic system; document nurse charts, triage notes, orders.(Cost-Saving Tip)
February 1, 2004... By switching to electronic nurse charting, triage notes, and orders, the ED at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA, saved $60,000 in a single year, according to Rosemary Brindle, RN, MSN, TNCC, director of emergency care services....

Newman DH, Azer MM, Pitetti RD, et al. When is a patient safe for discharge after procedural sedation? The timing of adverse effect events in 1,367 pediatric procedural sedations.
February 1, 2004... Ann Emerg Med 2003; 42:627-635. After procedural sedation, children may be safely discharged 30 minutes after final sedation medication administration if no adverse events have occurred, according to this study from St. Luke's/Roosevelt...

CE questions.
February 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 Dramatic changes in care are needed for elderly trauma patients in your ED and Can...