The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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Convulsive or generalized tonic-clonic status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency that can lead to transient or permanent brain damage or even death. A conceptual model was developed to assist nurses and other medical professionals to differentiate between convulsive and nonconvulsive SE. ⋯ A treatment algorithm for diagnosing and treating SE has clinical benefits in the practice setting of an inpatient comprehensive epilepsy program. Episodes of SE are more accurately classified and faster successful treatment of the episode occurs.
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The need for organ transplants has increased 200% over the past decade, while the number of organ donors has remained relatively constant. The family's refusal to consent to organ donation has been cited as one of the key factors in the shortage of organs. ⋯ Families of potential organ donors are receiving inadequate information to make informed choices about organ donation, and their emotional needs are not consistently met. Neuroscience nurses can improve consent rates for organ donation by effectively addressing the needs of the potential donor family and offering them the option to donate their loved one's organs.