Advanced emergency nursing journal
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Within emergency care settings, rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is frequently used to secure a definitive airway (i.e., endotracheal tube) to provide optimal oxygenation and ventilation in critically ill patients of all ages. For providers in these settings, a deeper understanding of the indications, associated medications, and adjunctive techniques may maximize success with this common procedure. Identification of difficult airways, using mnemonics and standardized criteria prior to the procedure allows, the clinician additional time for assimilation of additional resources and tools to increase the likelihood of first-pass success with intubation. This article describes tools for the procedure of RSI, including the "7 Ps" checklist of intubation.
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Tobacco use is a major threat to public health. Current guidelines suggest that healthcare professionals in the emergency department provide routine smoking cessation screening and interventions. Evidence suggests that an educational intervention among registered nurses in the emergency department may increase education and referral for smoking cessation of patients who use tobacco products. ⋯ Study findings agree with previous research indicating that nurses routinely screen for tobacco and advise to quit. However, implementing smoking cessation education and referral resources may better equip registered nurses in the emergency department to take an active role initiating follow-up interventions for patients who screen positive for tobacco use. Educational interventions among these nurses can increase knowledge of and utilization of existing resources to help patients quit.
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There is little research on the dynamics of the sexual assault response team (SART) members' interprofessional collaboration (IPC) practice. The study purposes were to (1) explore the perceptions of IPC among SART members; (2) evaluate the use of Perception of Interprofessional Collaboration Model Questionnaire with the SART; and (3) discuss the implications of the Interprofessional Core Competencies for emergency department nurses and sexual assault nurse examiners. ⋯ Emergency department nurses collaborate with different agencies and discipline within their working environment. Understanding the basics of IPC and the perception of IPC within the SART may open doors to further appreciate the dynamics of this team.
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Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, yet life-threatening, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction characterized by mucocutaneous epidermal necrolysis. Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a severe manifestation of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, defined as greater than 30% skin detachment. ⋯ Over the next 2 days, her symptoms worsened, she presented to the emergency department twice, and was transferred to a burn unit for definitive care. This case highlights the importance of prompt identification and diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and underscores the need for emergency providers to have a comprehensive knowledge of adverse cutaneous drug reactions.