ED Nursing 2004-12-01

EDs brace for high volumes and acuity due to flu vaccine shortage

Although ED nurses at Towson, MD-based St. Joseph Medical Center had treated two flu-related cases as of press time, neither patient had the flu. The story underscores what most ED nurses are anticipating: Due to a shortage of the flu vaccine, this flu season is going to be anything but ordinary.

You’ll need to be ready for pediatric flu cases

In addition to starting earlier than usual, the 2003-2004 flu season was especially hard on the pediatric population, with several deaths occurring among children in Texas and Colorado. As a result, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requested that states report influenza-associated pediatric deaths, with 152 influenza-associated deaths in children reported by 40 states.

Don’t overlook signs of life-threatening aneurysm

The statistics are chilling: 50% of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients die before reaching the ED, and perioperative mortality for patients who do reach the ED ranges from 50%-90%.

Simple steps reduce risks to elderly trauma patients

If a patient comes to your ED with multiple rib fractures after a fall, would you be worried that the injury is life-threatening? The answer largely will depend on the patients age, says Kathleen Emde, RN, CCRN, CEN, trauma service coordinator at Overlake Hospital Medical Center in Bellevue, WA.

Thrombolytic guidelines may stop controversy

Are physicians in your ED skeptical about the use of thrombolytics for stroke patients? If so, this may soon change, as a result of new recommendations from the Northbrook, IL-based American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP).

Nonpunitive culture helps prevent drug errors

If you grabbed the wrong medication for just a moment before catching your error, would you complete a detailed incident report? What if the near miss would have been life-threatening for your patient?

Cost-Saving Tip

When ED patients at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City, CA, needed transportation home, busy nurses typically handed out taxicab vouchers a practice that cost the ED up to $1,200 per month, says Stephanie J. Baker, RN, BSN, CEN, MBA/HCM, director of emergency services.

Use new trauma stats to improve care in your ED

New statistics from the Chicago-based American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank report have strong implications for your ED. The reports findings are based on more than 1.1 million records from 405 trauma centers in 43 states.

Prepare your hospital for a very unusual flu season

ED Nursing Archives – December 1, 2004

December 1, 2004