ED Nursing Archives – January 1, 2003
January 1, 2003
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Are you ready for a 5-level triage scale? Be prepared: Most EDs will switch soon
Brace yourself. Most emergency departments in the country will switch to a national five-level triage classification system following the expected endorsement of the Emergency Nurses Association. -
Pediatric Corner: New seizure meds will dramatically change care
If you are not aware of side effects or interactions of several new medications, you may be putting children with seizures at risk. -
Use these hot tips to assess abdominal pain
When a 7-year-old boy presented with right-sided abdominal pain, no rebound tenderness was noted, the abdominal flat plate was negative, white blood count was normal, and there was no left shift and no vomiting or bowel changes. -
Use these tips to collect evidence of sexual assault
Two studies have demonstrated a close link between documentation of traumatic injuries and eventual convictions. -
Don’t mishandle forensic evidence: Take these 4 steps
Here are ways to protect the forensic evidence you collect, recommended by Diane DeHart, PA, coordinator of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program at Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress in Seattle. -
What to document for sexual assault
Excerpt of Washington State Recommended Guidelines, Sexual Assault Emergency Medical Evaluation, Adult and Adolescent, Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress, Seattle. -
Journal Reviews
Utility of troponin I in patients with cocaine-associated chest pain; Mental status screening of emergency department patients: Normative study of the Quick Confusion Scale; Advanced practice nurses in emergency care settings: A demographic profile -
Web Alert: Don’t risk violation of needlestick regs
Protecting yourself from a needlestick injury, evaluating safety devices, and complying with state and federal regulations. Youll find resources to help you achieve these three important goals at the Exposure Prevention Information Network web site. -
Tip of the Month: Use clothespins to signal other nurses
At the busy emergency department at Trinity Medical Center in Rock Island, IL, a rack system and clothespins help nurses to communicate.