British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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John Tingle discusses a report by Lord Young of Graffham to the Prime Minister on the operation of health and safety laws and the growth of the compensation culture.
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Benzocaine is a widely used topical anaesthetic and has been reported to cause toxic methaemoglobinaemia in otherwise healthy individuals with no predisposing risk factors. This article reports on a rare case of benzocaine-induced methaemoglobinaemia following adenotonsillectomy in a 5-year-old girl. Topical benzocaine was applied orally for the relief of postoperative wound pain on the eighth postoperative day. ⋯ Symptoms completely disappeared 4 hours after initiation of methylene blue therapy. The further course was uneventful. Therefore, all health professionals should be aware that topical anaesthetics after surgery can induce methaemoglobinaemia in children, even after a prolonged interval, and especially when applied on wound surfaces.
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Burns are known to be a cause of the most severe childhood injuries. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate socio-demographic and other factors involved in children being presented to a burns unit for treatment. This is the first reported comprehensive audit of burns admissions highlighting factors that may relate to the occurrence of burns in children. ⋯ Mixed and African population groups made up the remaining 9%. The risk of burns injuries is higher among younger children, during the early evening, and is disproportionately high in the Asian/Asian British groups. It is suggested that there is a need to increase injury prevention towards those at greatest risk.