Nigerian quarterly journal of hospital medicine
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The decision to transfuse intra-operatively is based on preoperative haemoglobin (Hb), estimated blood loss and physiological variables. The visual estimate of blood loss is notoriously unreliable especially with small volumes of blood losses in children. ⋯ The use of near patient monitoring devices should be encouraged as this will give an accurate assessment of Hb and appropriate indication for transfusion. Equipment should be made available to perform gravimetric estimation of blood loss as the visual method is notoriously unreliable.
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Many patients on admission have limited mobility and need physical examination by the clinical team. Ward rounds serve as an avenue for health professionals to meet and develop an integrated plan of care for the inpatients. Lack of representation for certain professional groups, including pharmacy, may adversely affect the range of opinions and therapies for patients. ⋯ Pharmacists should be scheduled to participate actively in ward rounds, peer reviews and other professional activities, for optimum patient care. The hospital authorities should optimise the involvement of pharmacists in the paradigm shift towards pharmaceutical care, with a view to minimizing prescribing errors, cost of drugs and length of hospital stay. The use of preceptors should be explored.