British journal of community nursing
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Each year many people seek medical advice or hospital treatment for burn or scald injuries. There is limited data on the number of burns patients seen in primary care, however a recent national survey suggested that there are 250,000 presentations of burn injuries to primary care teams in the UK per year (National Burn Care Review, 2001). This article discusses the nursing management of burns in the community, outlining the initial assessment of the burns patient in terms of trauma management, and focusing primarily on those patients with non-complex burns. ⋯ Good patient management is an essential element of care and the focus of this is the management of pain, prevention of infection, provision of evidence based wound care and onward referrals as appropriate. However not all patients can be managed solely in the community and the nurse needs to know when to refer and to whom to refer. The article outlines the recommendations from the National Burn Care Review in terms of patient referral.
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Diabetes and its treatments can cause problems for Muslims who wish to take part in the fast during the holy month of Ramadan. This article offers information about the impact of various diabetes treatments, including insulin, when fasting and some of the precautions that need to be in place. Some of the reasons people with diabetes might find it difficult to comply with advice are explored with some suggestions on how to work towards acceptable compromises. Through dialogue between health professionals and patients, it is usually possible to facilitate at least some safe fasting for those who wish to observe this annual ritual.
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Br J Community Nurs · May 2000
ReviewManagement of bladder problems in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Bladder problems are a common feature in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Many patients experience distressing symptoms such as frequency, urgency and incontinence, unaware of the range of treatments which are available to either overcome or manage their bladder problems. ⋯ These problems can be grouped under the headings of storage, emptying or combined dysfunction. Community nurses are well-placed to offer methods of containment by providing first-line treatment as well as identifying which patients need to be referred to other members of the multidisciplinary team.
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Br J Community Nurs · Jan 2000
ReviewUrinary catheters: selection, management and prevention of infection.
Urinary catheterization is a common procedure for both hospital and community patients. Nurses make many of the decisions in regard to both catheter selection and subsequent catheter care. ⋯ Encrustation can be a problem for some catheterized patients and nurses are often involved in trying to prevent or treat it. This and other aspects of catheter management including infection control, constipation and meatal hygiene are discussed.