British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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Sepsis has gained increasing publicity in recent years, and is now a strong focus of clinical education and training following the launch of the 'Surviving Sepsis' campaign. The assessment and management of a septic patient are far from simple and requires a systematic approach in both identifying and managing the condition. This two-part series explores the assessment and management of a septic patient, with this article emphasising the need to identify the signs and symptoms of sepsis at the early stages if positive patient outcomes are to be realised. The ABCDE approach to patient assessment is explored in the context of sepsis, as this approach can ensure the nurse will identify sepsis as opposed to the basic method of only performing vital observations.
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This article gives a comprehensive overview of multiple myeloma (MM), a complex blood cancer involving overproduction of plasma cells. Although MM remains incurable, patients are living longer as a result of multiple treatment options. However, MM patients are also living with a higher symptom burden. The overall aims in managing MM are therefore to control disease progression, prolong survival and improve quality of life.
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Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is widely used in the management of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. It requires effective anticoagulation of the extracorporeal blood circuit. ⋯ In 2013, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust switched from heparin to citrate anticoagulant for CRRT in intensive care units (ICUs) across the Trust. This article examines the reasons for the switch, the implementation of citrate and the impact of this quality-improvement project in terms of patient outcome data and feedback from the ICU nursing team.