Professional nurse (London, England)
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Unintentional hypothermia in the operating theatre is often overlooked. Older people who have sustained trauma are vulnerable to hypothermia during surgery. Inadvertent hypothermia can have a number of adverse effects. Critical incident analysis can encourage nurses to challenge ritualistic practice.
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Infusion pumps provide safe and accurate delivery of intravenous fluids. Accuracy can be ensured only if the devices are used correctly. Full training is required in order to gain maximum benefit from these devices.
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Half of deaths from breast cancer occur in women too old to be invited into screening programmes. Mammography is more effective in detecting cancer in older than in younger women. Efficacy of screening should be calculated using quality of life as well as mortality.
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Homeless people often present in A&E departments for primary health-care. A primary health-care nurse practitioner can provide for health needs and refer people to other sources of support and help. A nurse practitioner can liaise with other relevant services and educate colleagues about the causes and effects of homelessness.
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Research evidence on asepsis is patchy, ambivalent and cannot always be generalised. There is no substitute for assessment of the individual circumstances before each procedure. Handwashing is vital, well researched and uncontroversial.