International emergency nursing
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Little is known about the public's preferences for pain management prior to attending an Emergency Department (ED). Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore (i) triage documentation of pre-hospital analgesic patterns for patients presenting in pain; (ii) patient documented explanations for not self administering an analgesic in the pre-hospital setting; (iii) triage nurse documentation of pain descriptors and or pain scores; and (iv) the disposition of ED patients presenting in pain. ⋯ Unnecessary suffering may be avoided if the public had a better understanding of pain and the benefits of pain management. Further research is required to better understand the beliefs and attitudes towards pain and pain management by clinicians and the public.
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The article examines the evidence for giving oxygen routinely to patients with suspected myocardial infarction, and addresses the challenges in changing practice. ⋯ A systematic review of studies did not confirm that the use of routine oxygen in the acute stages of a myocardial infarction reduces myocardial ischemia. In reality, some evidence suggests that oxygen may even increase myocardial ischemia. Therefore it is crucial that emergency care nurses/practitioners across the world use observation skills and monitoring such as pulse oximetry to recognise the clinical need for supplementary oxygen to be given to a patient.
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Comparative Study
Quality of the handover of patient care: a comparison of pre-Hospital and Emergency Department notes.
The aim of this audit was to evaluate the accuracy of patient information transfer from pre-hospital reports to Emergency Department (ED) documentation. ⋯ This audit quantifies the number of patient encounters where written information changes or is lost when care is passed from pre-hospital to hospital staff in the resuscitation room. We have not investigated other parts of the ED or the verbal transfer of information. Further work investigating the causes of these changes in information, any impact on patient care and whether this occurs in other parts of an ED is suggested.
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To assess Jordanian RNs' perceptions regarding their knowledge, skills, and preparedness for disaster management. ⋯ There is a need for a consistent national nursing curriculum for disaster preparedness and nationwide drills to increase disaster knowledge, skills, preparedness, and confidence.
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Nurses are usually the first-responders in cases of in-hospital cardiac arrest. Their competence in Basic Life Support (BLS) is important in improving patient outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nurses' BLS knowledge in a small district hospital. ⋯ Our results indicate a low level of BLS knowledge among the study participants. Having an occasional refresher BLS course, or prior experience in BLS, does not affect the level of knowledge.