Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
-
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating neurologic insult often presenting to the emergency department as a headache. Recognition and prompt treatment are important to good outcomes. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the presentation of aSAH patients to the emergency department and determine whether presentation predicts length of stay or death. ⋯ Although aSAH presentation remains the same, this analysis did find a correlation between poor clinical grade and bradycardia to be a significant predictor of death at 30 days. Additional study may help to determine whether any intervention could lessen this effect. Although patient diagnosis and referral from the community emergency department to a tertiary center were relatively quick, there was a wide window of time between patient recognition of symptoms and seeking medical treatment.
-
Non-emergent use of the emergency department has grown over the past decade. Lack of resources, access to care, medical insurance, and knowledge can all contribute to the inappropriate use of the emergency department. ⋯ This education has the potential to significantly reduce the number of repeat visits, as well as misuse of the emergency department. The purpose of this article is to discuss the importance of discharge teaching for the patient and family in the ED setting.
-
Opioid abuse and overdose have increased drastically in recent years. Diversion of opioids used to treat pain, either through theft or sharing, is increasing and may contribute to this misuse. Based on these trends, we designed a study to investigate opioid storage and disposal practices of patients who were prescribed these agents in the emergency department. ⋯ This pilot study revealed widespread improper storage and disposal of opioids. The study has major implications for education for ED physicians, nurses, and residents.