ED Nursing Archives – February 1, 2004
February 1, 2004
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Dramatic changes in care are needed for elderly trauma patients in your ED
If an 11-year-old girl comes to your ED with a radius-ulnar fracture, she is X-rayed, casted, and discharged home a minor injury with minor inconveniences. -
Brace yourself: Flu cases can wreak havoc
Look around your waiting room, and youll be sure to spot at least one coughing, sneezing flu patient. If you dont take steps to prevent it, this individual can single-handedly create a disaster in your ED by spreading the disease to staff and other patients. -
Use CDC recommendations to limit flu exposure
Here are key recommendations from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for preventing and controlling influenza in health care facilities: -
Don’t miss red flags in frequent patients
A man comes to your ED reporting a head injury, and there are no visible signs of trauma. -
Can you recognize problems from gastric procedures?
Editors note: This is the second of a two-part series on improving care of obese patients in the ED. This months story addresses complications of surgical treatment for morbid obesity you may be seeing in your ED. Last month, we covered special considerations for assessment and supplies. -
Protect yourself when caring for TB patients
ED nurses at Carondelet St Marys Hospital in Tucson, AZ, did the right thing when caring for a woman with cough and chills: They suspected tuberculosis (TB) and put her into isolation. -
Want to save $60,000? Try electronic system
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. -
Journal Review
When is a patient safe for discharge after procedural sedation? The timing of adverse effect events in 1,367 pediatric procedural sedations.