Nursing times
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Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterised by various signs and symptoms, but specifically by the occurrence of repetitive episodes of partial or complete collapse of the upper airway, which prevents breathing. This is known as apnoea. ⋯ It is estimated to affect around four per cent of men and two per cent of women. The lack of awareness among the general population and physicians means that an estimated 80 to 90 per cent of people with OSA have not received a clinical diagnosis.
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The British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provide overwhelming evidence that NIV is effective in supporting patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) (BTS, 2002). AHRF, which causes a rise in carbon dioxide levels and a fall in pH, is common in patients presenting with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). NIV is also beneficial to patients with chest wall deformity and neuromuscular diseases.
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was identified as a new infectious disease in Asia early in 2003. Since then an unprecedented global public health response has been mounted. This article describes current knowledge of the infection and outlines the management of SARS in the UK.
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A nursing assessment of the patient's neurological status incorporates monitoring of the patient's level of consciousness, pupil reaction and motor function, as well as observation of vital signs. The importance of all these observations, and how the nurse undertakes each stage of the process, is discussed, and the Glasgow Coma Scale is described.