Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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Pain scales such as the 100-MM Visual Analog Scale and the 10-point Numeric Rating Scale are used to describe pain intensity. The Visual Analog Scale and the Numeric Rating Scale provide accurate descriptors for a patient's perceived level of pain. But how accurate or reliable is a patient's perception of pain? ⋯ This experiment showed that (1) given the same intensity of pain stimulus, different persons have different perceptions of pain; and (2) the same intensity of pain stimulus, given to the same person repeatedly, does not result in the same self-report of pain intensity.
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During the past 3 decades, the number of patients with serious mental health problems seeking care in general hospital emergency departments has increased exponentially, with special clinical challenges. This study examines the effect of organizational climate--the subjective perceptions of staff regarding the work environment--on ED staff members' attitudes toward patients with mental health problems, as well as the effect on the clinical care of these patients. ⋯ The findings indicate that organizational processes seem to have an impact on the delivery of clinical care, as well as caregivers' attitudes about this patient population. This finding underlines the importance of addressing organizational climate in emergency departments as part of an effort to improve the quality of care for patients with mental health problems.
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Case Reports Comparative Study
A 39-year-old man with left shoulder pain: comparing 3- and 5-point triage scales.