Advanced emergency nursing journal
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Review Case Reports
Does the incidence of pulmonary embolism increase during pregnancy?
A review of recent evidence with translation to practice for the advanced practice nurse role is presented using a case study module for "Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pregnant Patients Investigated for Suspected Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department." The study results showed that there were 25,339 patients evaluated for pulmonary embolism in an emergency department included in the 17 study articles, 2,636 had venous thromboembolism (VTE; 13%; 95% CI [10, 17]), and 506 were pregnant and underwent diagnostic chest imaging (2%; 95% CI [1.5, 2.6]). These data suggest that pregnancy does not appear to increase the incidence of a VTE-positive diagnosis. The implications and clinical relevance of these findings for advanced practice nurses are discussed highlighting best evidence.
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Ebola is an unfamiliar disease with a high mortality rate. Until recently, it occurred only in rural tropical regions and most health care providers had only read about it in epidemiology classes. ⋯ All health care providers must be familiar with identifying the signs and symptoms of Ebola and capable of initiating an appropriate response. This article presents an overview of Ebola virus disease for health care providers, covering pathophysiology, identification, treatment, and general considerations for hospitals and providers to consider when developing policies and procedures.
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The choice and route of administration of benzodiazepines for the treatment of acute status epilepticus (SE) in both prehospital and emergency department (ED) settings often vary by provider and institution. Prehospital and ED care often involves intramuscular, intravenous, or rectal administration of these medications. Diazepam, lorazepam, and midazolam are available as parenteral formulations in the United States. ⋯ For initial treatment of SE in adults, intravenous lorazepam is the recommended drug of choice. However, evidence suggests that intramuscular midazolam has at least equal efficacy in prehospital settings and may be more appropriate for use in this environment. Despite the support of multiple clinical trials and treatment guidelines, inconsistencies in the treatment of acute SE continue to occur in both the prehospital and ED settings.
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The aims of this research study were to investigate moral distress among emergency department (ED) nurse practitioners (NPs) and examine relationships between moral distress and level of practice independence as well as intent to leave a position. Moral distress has been studied regarding registered nurses and physicians (MDs) but less so in NPs. It is important to explore moral distress in NPs because they tread a unique path between nursing and physician roles. ⋯ This study is the first of its kind to explore moral distress in ED NPs. Results suggest moral distress influences ED NPs' intent to leave their position. Further studies are needed to explore the findings from this research and to formulate interventions to alleviate moral distress in ED NPs and improve retention in the clinical setting.
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Legalization of marijuana use will increase the number of people who will become long-term users. A prior medical record review study in Australia, in 2004, identified 19 chronic marijuana users who entered the emergency department with recurrent vomiting associated with abdominal pain. Routine treatment of the nausea and vomiting, associated with the chronic marijuana abuse, with antiemetics is ineffective in patients with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. ⋯ The best treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome was found to be abstinence from the recreational use of marijuana. It is important for advanced practice nurses to place cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in their differentials of patients presenting to the emergency department with recurrent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. They need to be knowledgeable about cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome to provide the proper management of care for this specific medical condition.