ED Nursing articles from January 2004

ED Nursing archives from January 2004

Will your medication mistakes cause adverse outcomes? Stop them early: ED nurses are the ones who catch and report most errors, study says.
January 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY According to new research, the majority of errors are caught and reported by ED nurses. * Use intravenous pumps to prevent accidental fluid overload in vulnerable patients. * Place warnings on automated...

Do you have strategies to care for obese patients? Eds reports numbers are increasing dramatically.
January 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Many EDs are reporting increasing numbers of obese patients, which reflects national trends. To meet the needs of these patients, you'll need new approaches for assessment and equipment. * For intubation, a bag-valve...

Surveyors will ask nurses to describe patient care: you won't know exacty when to expect surveyors.(Joint Commission)
January 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Effective for 2004 surveys, the new patient tracer methodology of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations will have a major impact on ED nurses. * You'll need to describe patient care...

Do you provide good care in dental emergencies?
January 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EDs are treating significant numbers of patients with dental emergencies, but pain management and treatment often is inadequate. * Life-threatening emergencies include Ludwig's angina, which threatens a patient's...

You can save thousands by auditing patient charts.(Cost-Saving Tip)
January 1, 2004... Over a year, how would you like to add $9,863 to your ED's bottom line by catching missed charges for supplies or wrong acuity levels? Virginia R. Keusch, RN, clinical manager of the emergency and cardiopulmonary departments at Mecosta County...

Use '3-man' technique for catheter urinalysis.(Tip Of The Month)
January 1, 2004... Here's an easier way to obtain a catheter urinalysis on pediatric females when you need a very clean urine specimen, such as for a septic work-up on a small child, or you need to rule out a urinary tract infection. "It's a three-man...

Wright, Linde B, Rau L, et al. The effect of organizational climate on the clinical care of patients with mental health problems.
January 1, 2004... Wright, Linde B, Rau L, et al. The effect of organizational climate on the clinical care of patients with mental health problems. J Emerg Nurs 2003; 29:314-321. ED nurses who feel their working conditions are positive have more frequent...

Palchak MJ, Holmes JF, Vance CW, et al. A decision rule for identifying children at low risk for brain injuries after blunt head trauma.
January 1, 2004... Palchak MJ, Holmes JF, Vance CW, et al. A decision rule for identifying children at low risk for brain injuries after blunt head trauma. Ann Emerg Med 2003; 42:492-506. Children at low risk for traumatic brain injuries after blunt head...

Does your disaster plan meet needs of ED nurses?
January 1, 2004... Do you expect that nurses will come straight to the ED in the event of a major disaster, regardless of their personal needs? Not according to the findings of one new study. Researchers from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public...

CE questions.
January 1, 2004... 1. Which of the following is recommended to prevent medication errors in the ED, according to Fidela S.J. Blank, RN, MN, MBA, research coordinator for the department of emergency medicine at Baystate Medical Center? A. Reporting errors...