ED Nursing Archives – June 1, 2005
June 1, 2005
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Assaults against ED nurses are largely unreported: Act now to prevent violence
While youre starting an intravenous line, an intoxicated patient suddenly begins shouting vulgar language. Would you report this incident? What if the patient threatened or shoved you? -
Are you missing adverse drug events in the elderly?
If an elderly man came in complaining of dizziness, would you suspect a connection to a medication the patient is taking? -
Cutting-edge protocols boost care of severe sepsis
An elderly woman tells you shes been ill for several days and has very low blood pressure, but her vital signs are otherwise normal. Would you suspect impending septic shock in this patient? Do you have a way to determine if this patient is getting sicker? -
Use these tips if you suspect a suicidal patient
More than 200,000 patients are treated in EDs each year for self-inflicted injuries. Yet many of these patients do not receive a psychiatric assessment, says Debra Houry, MD, MPH, associate director for the Atlanta-based Center for Injury Control at Emory University. -
Do patients leave with life-threatening conditions?
When a patient in your ED left without being seen (LWBS), you have two major worries: That the patient left with a life-threatening condition, and your increased liability risks. -
Cost-Saving Tip: Ask nurses to save $2 per day in your ED
When ED nurses at Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart, FL, were challenged to come up with ways to save just $2 per day, results were dramatic, reports Patricia Scott, RN, BSN, CEN, ED nurse leader.