Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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In addition to treating living patients, emergency nurses are also responsible for receiving and caring for persons who are dead on arrival and their relatives. There is limited knowledge about the dead on arrival patient and family population as well as care practice for the dead and their relatives. The first step in improving care for dead on arrival persons is to know the size and characteristics of the population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the size and characteristics of the dead on arrival population in a Danish emergency department. ⋯ The population of dead on arrival persons in a Danish emergency department were mainly men, found dying or dead by relatives and brought in from home. Additional research and development are warranted regarding care practices for dead on arrival and their families in the emergency department.
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The objective of this study was to determine the impact of an emergency nurse-led implanted port access algorithm for ED patients with implanted ports admitted to the hospital. ⋯ The emergency nurse-led port access algorithm decreased ED port access rates. The nurses' pre- and postimplementation knowledge of central line-associated bloodstream infections increased. The emergency nurse-led port access algorithm empowered emergency nurses to educate their patients on implanted port access and decreased central line use.
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A neonatal lumbar puncture can present many challenges for emergency nurses that may not be seen with older children or adults. It is imperative that emergency nurses have the knowledge and training related to the procedure to ensure a positive process for the neonate, involved family and health care team members, as well as the overall outcomes of the procedure. This paper provides a practical guide to the essential knowledge for a neonatal lumbar puncture in the emergency department. The main points conveyed in this paper include considerations such as indications for a neonatal lumbar puncture, how to prepare for the procedure, how to position the neonate, possible complications, and caregiver support.
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Case Reports
Case Report Detailing an Inferior Myocardial Infarction, Third-Degree Heart Block, and Cardiogenic Shock.
An infarction in the right coronary artery affects the inferior wall of the heart and can also cause impedance to the cardiac conduction system. The right coronary artery perfuses the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, and a loss of blood flow contributes to a breakdown in the communication system within the heart, causing associated bradycardias, heart blocks, and arrhythmias. This case report details the prehospital and emergency care of a middle-aged man who experienced an inferior myocardial infarction, concomitant third-degree heart block, and subsequent cardiogenic shock, with successful revascularization. This case is informative for emergency clinicians to review symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, rapid lifesaving diagnostics and intervention, and the unique treatment and monitoring considerations associated with right ventricular involvement and third-degree heart block.
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One evidence-based practice strategy to improve the provision of care for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer population is providing cultural competency training. The aim of this evidence-based practice project was to improve Knowledge and Skills, Openness and Support, and Oppression Awareness for emergency nurses when providing care to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer population in the military health system. ⋯ This project illustrated the feasibility of an educational intervention to promote culturally competent care in the ED environment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer population. The results illustrated that emergency nurses in this military health system were aware of the oppression that this vulnerable population faces.