Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
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The setting up and priming of an intravenous infusion is a common nursing procedure. However, it is associated with certain complications, for example infection. This article describes a step-by-step guide to the equipment required, correct preparation of the patient and the procedure. It also provides readers with calculation of drip-rate formulae.
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This article provides an overview of the management of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN)--a debilitating nerve pain that continues after the herpes zoster (shingles) rash has cleared. PHN mainly affects older people and although there are a number of treatment options available, drug interactions and side effects frequently limit their use. Nurses need to demonstrate an understanding of the difficulties associated with the management of PHN to provide safe and effective pain relief and to improve the patient's quality of life.