International emergency nursing
-
There has been extensive coverage of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in recent years, yet heart blocks involving the right and left bundle branches have received little coverage, despite their frequent co-existence. This article will commence with an overview of the ACS with which LBBB is synonymous, discussion on the initial management of these patients, and progress into highlighting both the clinical signs and symptoms related to the pathophysiological changes associated with blocks involving the bundle branches, and the associated electrical changes that can be identified on an electrocardiogram (ECG). The overall intension of this article is to increase practitioners' awareness and knowledge base surrounding this common clinical patient presentation and enhance clinical proficiency, thereby improving patient care and the management of patient's experiencing LBBB.
-
Many nurses will be familiar with the demanding role of caring for a patient who requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation following a sudden, life-threatening illness or event. This paper examines the phenomenon of sudden cardiac death and in particular, focuses on the medical-technical discourse of dying and death in the context of resuscitation for the victims of sudden cardiac arrest. ⋯ The humanistic versus technological imperative is further deliberated by examining the role of the emergency team in end of life care and includes consideration of the effects that medical dominance may have on the dying process. The practice of family witnessed resuscitation is recognised as one way in which a holistic approach to emergency resuscitative care may be achieved.
-
The role of the emergency nurse in South Africa is a challenging one due to a variety of reasons. This article describes the healthcare system of South Africa with particular attention to the emergency medical system as well as the reason why most emergency clients present to the emergency departments. The actual experience of working as an emergency nurse in South Africa is highlighted.
-
Violence in the emergency department (ED) is a global problem. In our first paper, we highlighted the potential psychological effects of alcohol intoxication, the literatures discussion of alcohol related violence in the emergency department and the importance of developing positive nurse/service user relationships. In this second paper, we discuss personal and organisational strategies clinical nursing staff may consider appropriate to minimise the risk of assault when caring for service users projecting alcohol related aggression.
-
Delirium occurs frequently among elderly patients in the Emergency Department (ED), and accurate assessment is difficult without knowledge of the patient's usual cognitive functioning. This audit was designed to determine whether routine cognitive screening of elderly patients in ED could lead to early identification of delirium. ⋯ ED nurses should routinely establish baseline cognitive functioning and assess for delirium. The AMT4 may be more suitable because of its brevity, but requires further research.