Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
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This article examines the main features of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), including the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, complications and treatment. Patients with ARDS are critically ill and require close monitoring and mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit. The benefits of prone positioning, one of the main treatment options for these patients, are discussed in detail. By understanding the physiological principles that underpin the prone position, the critical care nurse will be more effective in identifying patients who might benefit from this treatment.
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To investigate the scale of adolescent deliberate self-harm (DSH) presentations to accident and emergency (A&E) departments and minor injury units in Glasgow and to assess the success of the adolescent DSH service in accessing this group. ⋯ The findings of the study show that there are a significant number of young people who self-harm, but that they receive no follow-up care.
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Suctioning techniques are a necessary nursing intervention to remove respiratory secretions and maintain optimum ventilation and oxygenation in patients who are unable to get rid of these secretions independently. This intervention can induce problems and it is important that the correct procedure is adhered to so that patient safety and comfort are maintained. Nurses should be competent in assessing the need for suction. The decision to perform this procedure should be based on the patient's clinical signs and symptoms and should not be undertaken as a matter of routine.
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This timely book begins with a brief introduction to the definition and benefits of care pathways but focuses on the limitations of current approaches rather than providing a detailed exposition of the concept. The limitations identified provide the rationale for forthcoming chapters.