Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
What is the best topical anesthetic for nasogastric insertion? A comparison of lidocaine gel, lidocaine spray, and atomized cocaine.
Nasogastric intubation has been shown to be a painful procedure for patients. Previous studies have demonstrated the benefit of topical nasal anesthesia in decreasing the pain of this procedure. This study attempts to identify which of 3 topical anesthetic modalities would be preferred by patients. ⋯ Two percent lidocaine gel appeared to provide the best option for a topical anesthetic during nasogastric tube insertion.
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Review Comparative Study
Verification of endotracheal tube placement: a comparison of confirmation techniques and devices.
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Building upon a historical context, the current and future roles of the clinical emergency nurse are reviewed. For several reasons, emergency nurse availability is expected to be insufficient to meet staffing demands in the near future. Emergency physicians can partner with emergency nurses and hospital administrators to pursue the following strategies for addressing the nursing shortage: (1) improve the workplace environment by improving nurse-to-patient ratios and avoiding the boarding of admitted patients in the emergency department (ED); (2) refocus the emergency nurse job description to patients and their families; (3) promote mutually supportive relationships and comradeship between emergency nurses and physicians; (4) create an environment that allows unique solutions to staff scheduling and accommodates shiftwork; (5) increase nursing wages, and recognize special contributions of emergency nurses with financial reward; (6) identify and promote the personnel of the hospital ED as members of an elite unit; (7) develop preceptorships and internships for nurses new to emergency nursing and invest in clinical specialists or nurse-mentors to assist in "on-the-job" instruction of nurses with previous experience; and (8) invest in nursing education. Taking these steps today will strengthen the ED health care safety net for decades to come.