Medsurg nursing : official journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
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Fibromyalgia is a complex condition affecting up to six million patients. In this literature review, the prevalence, proposed etiology, differential diagnosis, and signs and symptoms of the disorder are presented. Diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and the importance of patient education are explored.
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Medical-surgical nurses increasingly encounter central venous access devices. Effective patient care involves both the routine management of these devices as well as identifying potential complications and appropriate treatments. The key physiologic principles research, and clinical practices associated with vascular access technologies are presented.
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Managing postsurgical pain continues to be one of the nation's top clinical care priorities and concerns. Despite widely publicized national care guidelines, effective pain management for all patients is not a reality. This study explored how nurses in a community hospital documented the process of pain management for a group of postsurgical patients. The results have implications for all adult health nurses.
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Peripherally inserted central catheters are a type of vascular access device that has many advantages for patients with longer-term and special infusion needs. Increasingly common in home and hospital settings, nurses should know how to insert, maintain, and educate patients and families about these devices. One hospital's experiences implementing a model program is described.
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Advances in genetics are changing approaches to detecting and treating breast and ovarian cancer. Scientific breakthroughs and thus implications for clinical care and patient education are essential areas of knowledge for all medical-surgical nurses. Future discoveries promise to change drastically the prevention and treatment of these diseases.