ED Nursing Archives – December 1, 2003
December 1, 2003
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SARS is ‘greatest disaster threat at this moment’: Make changes now
Do you have an action plan for what to do when the next patient comes to your ED with respiratory symptoms consistent with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)? ED nurses nationwide urgently are developing strategies to prepare for another outbreak. -
Elder abuse increasing — Can you recognize it?
Do you consider that abuse or neglect may be occurring when you care for elderly patients in your ED? According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 33,000 patients older than the age of 60 were treated in EDs over a four-year period for assault-related injuries from elder abuse. -
If you suspect abuse, ask these questions
Here is a sample interview with a possible perpetrator of elder abuse, excerpted from the Elder Abuse Diagnostic and Intervention Protocol at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle: -
Do you know which cases you’re required to report?
A child with a suspicious fracture. An elderly woman who says she hasnt been eating regularly. A drunk driver involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident. Do you know which of these cases you are required to report to agencies or law enforcement? -
Do you protect patient privacy during phone calls?
When callers ask whether their family member or friend is in your ED, what do you tell them? If youre like most ED nurses, youre confused about exactly what information you can share to avoid violations of patient privacy regulations. -
Save thousands by creating your own staff database
How would you like to shave thousands of dollars off your ED budget? Develop your own staff-tracking database, recommends Kathy Weil, MS, RN, education coordinator for the ED at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, MD. -
Create a lifesaving kit to treat bee stings
ED nurses at Mecosta County General Hospital, a 78-bed hospital in Big Rapids, MI, took quick action when a man came in yelling that his wife, who was still in the car, had been stung by bees and was allergic. -
Would you recognize a chemical attack?
If a chemical attack occurs in your community, you or another ED nurse may be the one to identify it. Thus, you should have a high index of suspicion for terrorism when triaging or assessing patients. -
SARS audio program updates guidelines