Journal of clinical nursing
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To identify differences in cyclosporine levels between blood samples collected from a peripheral venous access, catheter line used for drug infusion and catheter line not used for drug infusion in adult patients receiving allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Background. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that prevents graft-versus-host disease, has a narrow therapeutic window and causes nephrotoxicity. For cyclosporine infusion, a tunnelled central venous access device is used; however, because of the lipophilic properties of the drug, it can adsorb to the catheter surface and falsely raise cyclosporine concentrations in blood specimens. ⋯ Nurses should standardise one line of the tunnelled central venous access device for cyclosporine infusion, which avoids the need for evasive procedures and provides patients with more comfort.
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To explore the perceptions of older patients who re-presented to hospital within 28 days of discharge from an acute medical unit (AMU), their family caregivers and appropriately experienced health professionals. ⋯ To ensure prompt and expert attention to key aspects of discharge planning for older people leaving AMUs, there is a role for in-depth clinical expertise in the care of older people facing deteriorating life-limiting conditions. Therefore, a leadership role for nurses with geriatric and palliative care expertise, alongside medical and allied health professionals, merits attention in this context.
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To explore adolescents' memories about music therapy after spinal fusion surgery and their recommendations for future patients. ⋯ The presence of a music therapist providing patient-selected music at the bedside is important. Methods to introduce adolescents to music therapy and how to use music for relaxation should be developed and tested.
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This study sought to discover bereaved parents' perspectives and experiences of a nurse-led, ward-based, telephone support programme in a children's oncology unit. ⋯ Clinical nurses are ideally placed to use existing close relationships to extend care and support to bereaved parents. This study shows how nurses can identify service gaps, work with interdisciplinary team colleagues to initiate appropriate actions and participate in the essential evaluation subsequently required.
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This paper aims to describe communication and decision-making in healthcare teams following the introduction of an acute care nurse practitioner role. ⋯ The transfer of prescriptive authority to acute care nurse practitioners affected communication and decision-making and changed the way routine activities were conducted.