Advanced emergency nursing journal
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The ingestion of toxic alcohols, specifically ethylene glycol (EG) and methanol, provides unique therapeutic challenges for emergency personnel. If untreated, these agents can result in significant morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Fortunately, several options exist for the treatment of these ingestions, which, if implemented in the appropriate time period, can significantly decrease associated morbidity and mortality. The intent of this review is to discuss relevant management issues associated with EG and methanol intoxication in the emergency department.
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The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the willingness of emergency department patients, triaged to fast track areas, to be treated by an advanced practice registered nurse. A survey was distributed to a convenience sample of patients triaged to fast track areas in three southeastern emergency departments. The survey contained basic demographic information, four multiple-choice questions, and a section for comments. A majority of patients (65%) responded that they were willing to be treated by a nurse practitioner. Patients who had been treated by a nurse practitioner in the past were more willing to be treated by a nurse practitioner during this visit. ⋯ The results of this study support the addition of nurse practitioners to fast track emergency department teams. Additional studies that focus on public and professional education regarding the role of the emergency nurse practitioner are warranted.
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The use of noninvasive ventilation (including bilevel positive airway pressure and continuous positive airway pressure modalities) has become increasingly more widespread in emergency care, offering an alternative to traditional ventilation using an endotracheal tube. This article provides an overview of the types and potential uses of noninvasive ventilation, the risks and benefits of its use, and current evidence to support its use in specific patient populations. ⋯ Management considerations, assessment techniques, troubleshooting, and transportation of patients receiving noninvasive ventilation are also discussed. Advanced practice nurses in the emergency department can provide leadership and advocacy for its use in appropriate patients, and this article provides the foundational knowledge to do so.
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The purpose of this study is to investigate emergency department (ED) workplace violence and assess staff perceptions of safety. Healthcare workers, in particular emergency care professionals, are often the recipients of workplace violence. ⋯ Most of the sites (94%) reported the presence and availability of in-hospital security 24 hr per day. In total, more than 3,461 attacks were reported by the respondents over 5 years, with a median of 11 incidences of physical violence per site for the 5-year period.
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Review
Selecting antibiotics for community-acquired respiratory infections in the emergency department.
Annually, millions of patients are treated in emergency departments across the country for upper and lower respiratory infections. The purpose of this article was to articulate optimal antibiotic therapy for community-acquired respiratory infections. A table format has been selected to serve as a direct reference for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. In addition, background, common pathogens, and follow-up are discussed for each disease state.