ED Nursing articles from July 2004

ED Nursing archives from July 2004

Are you undertreating children with community-acquired MRSA? Numbers are dramatically increasing in emergency departments.(methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
July 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ED nurses are reporting increased numbers of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cases, especially in pediatric patients. * MRSA is being seen even in simple abscesses. *...

Do you overlook patients with alcohol problems?(emergency department)
July 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY New research shows that alcohol-related ED visits are three times higher than previous estimates. Patients with alcohol problems often are overlooked in EDs. * Do a brief screening for alcohol abuse whenever possible....

Offer intranasal drugs and reduce pain and risks.
July 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY With intranasal delivery, drugs are absorbed faster than oral delivery and are less painful than intravenous delivery. However, most EDs still do not use this method to administer medications. * Intranasal drug...

Stop life-threatening heparin dosage errors.
July 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Heparin was the most common drug involved in medication errors occurring in EDs from 1999 through 2003. Incorrect dosages, misprogramming of infusion pumps, and inaccurate patient weights were contributing factors. *...

Don't forget children's needs in your disaster plan.
July 1, 2004... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Pediatric patients have unique needs during disasters, and they are more susceptible than adults to nuclear, biological, and chemical agents. * Include pediatric-specific information in your disaster plan. * Keep...

Save $300 a month with disposable meal trays.(Cost-Saving Tip)
July 1, 2004... Are dirty meal trays a common sight in your ED? By switching to a disposable tray system, the ED at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City, CA, was able to save $300 a month, reports Stephanie J. Baker, RN, BSN, CEN, MBA/HCM, director of...

Difficult-start IVs can be tackled with Penrose drains.(Cost-Saving Tip)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Many of the tourniquets that come in prepackaged intravenous (IV) start kits are not adequate for difficult-start" patients, says Linell Jones, RN, BSN, CEN, ED nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, WA. "In obese patients, they...

CE questions.
July 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 Are you undertreating children with community-acquired MRSA? and Stop...