The American journal of nursing
-
Burns are among the most intensely painful injuries. All patients will experience pain, regardless of the cause, size, or depth of the burn. Despite advances in topical wound care and pharmacology, and a growing emphasis on palliative care, wound care is the main source of the pain associated with burn injury. ⋯ In this two-part article, the author explores burn pain and its treatment from a nursing perspective. Part 1 provides an overview of burn injury and addresses the wound care-related causes of burn pain as well as its assessment and treatment. Part 2 will address the psychosocial aspects of burn pain and will provide a more in-depth discussion of pain management and topical medications.
-
Patients in every health care setting are at risk for systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, severe sepsis, and even septic shock. The increasing incidence of sepsis, especially among older adults, its high mortality rate, and its subtle and rapid progression make prompt recognition and treatment imperative. ⋯ Improving outcomes in patients with sepsis depends on every nurse involved in their care. The case study presented here is of a nursing home resident with unrecognized sepsis that progresses to severe sepsis-at which point not even seven days' treatment in the ICU could halt the progression to multiple organ failure.
-
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), by far the most common form of glaucoma, currently afflicts more than 2 million Americans, more than half of whom probably don't know they have it. Asymptomatic in the early stages, it gradually and progressively reduces the visual field and leads to blindness if untreated. ⋯ There is no single diagnostic test; screening and diagnosis involve periodic comprehensive eye evaluations. Treatment is aimed at delaying onset, slowing progression, and preserving vision.