ED management : the monthly update on emergency department management
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To reduce the risk of dangerous tubing misconnections, the ISO is rolling out new tubing connector standards that will eventually make it nearly impossible for tubing associated with one delivery system to be connected to a delivery system that serves a different purpose. Experts welcome the change, noting that tubing misconnections that cause injury and even death have been happening for years. However, TJC has issued a Sentinel Event Alert, warning that health care organizations need to be vigilant in managing the risk posed by these misconnections during the phased-in transition to the new connectors. ⋯ It will not connect to IV tubing, making that type of misconnection unlikely. The new connector should be available early next year. Since hospitals will continue to use older tubing until their supplies are exhausted, manufacturers will temporarily provide adapters capable of making new administration sets compatible with older tubing.
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Informed by the cases of two nurses who contracted Ebola virus disease (EVD) while caring for a patient with the disease in Dallas, TX, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA, has unveiled strengthened guidance for health care workers. Further, nursing organizations are pledging to work together to identify gaps and make system-level improvements to protect both patients and caregivers. ⋯ Experts stress that the new guidance does not change the fundamental issue that Ebola is transmitted through contact with infectious substances from patients. Nursing organizations are pledging to work together to identify problems and improve safety for both caregivers and patients.