Falls are a leading cause of nonfatal injuries and trauma-related hospitalizations in the United States, and have been linked directly with the quality of nursing care in the hospital setting. In this literature review,...Falls are a leading cause of nonfatal injuries and trauma-related hospitalizations in the United States, and have been linked directly with the quality of nursing care in the hospital setting. In this literature review, multiple studies are summarized that found rounding decreased falls per 1,000 patient days.
With health and wellness advocacy as a part of their role, medical-surgical nurses should do their best to address patients' hidden health care concerns such as drug misuse and abuse, and lead them to treatment resources...With health and wellness advocacy as a part of their role, medical-surgical nurses should do their best to address patients' hidden health care concerns such as drug misuse and abuse, and lead them to treatment resources. By gaining knowledge of prescription drug abuse and misuse, nurses will be more prepared to recognize these problems in their patients.
Thomasos E, Brathwaite EE, Cohn T
… +3 more, Nerey J, Lindgren CL, Williams S
Medsurg Nurs
· 2015 · PMID 26306355
Clinical partners (CPs) experienced disproportionate workloads related to patients' levels of acuity. This problem was addressed on a medical-surgical unit by developing patient acuity ratings and equitable acuity assign...Clinical partners (CPs) experienced disproportionate workloads related to patients' levels of acuity. This problem was addressed on a medical-surgical unit by developing patient acuity ratings and equitable acuity assignments for the CPs.
Matthie N, Brewer CA, Moura VL
… +1 more, Jenerette CM
Medsurg Nurs
· 2015 · PMID 26306354
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a painful condition wherein breathing often is compromised. This pilot study supports the premise that individuals with SCD are willing to learn breathing exercises. Medical-surgical nurses s...Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a painful condition wherein breathing often is compromised. This pilot study supports the premise that individuals with SCD are willing to learn breathing exercises. Medical-surgical nurses should encourage breathing exercises for managing pain and preventing complications.
The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) has had an ongoing series of articles related to Healthy Practice Environments. The AMSN website (www.amsn.org) also has a number of articles and documents about initiatives...The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) has had an ongoing series of articles related to Healthy Practice Environments. The AMSN website (www.amsn.org) also has a number of articles and documents about initiatives that AMSN has undertaken to promote healthy practice environments in health care settings. This articles will focus on the educational work necessary for nurses who desire to increase the healthiness of their workplace. The work is not easy, but the end result could be one that leaves a lasting legacy for those who work in that environment.
Patients with substance abuse history make up 14% of inpatient admissions to acute care units, where it has been reported a great deal of patient pain is unrelieved (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administrati...Patients with substance abuse history make up 14% of inpatient admissions to acute care units, where it has been reported a great deal of patient pain is unrelieved (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration [SAMHSA], 2009. Definitions of substance abuse terms including tolerance, dependence, addiction, and pseudoaddiction are essential to a nurse's understanding of pain medication administration in patients with substance abuse history. Pain management is one of the nurse's main responsibilities, and using the principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice can guide the nurse to making appropriate pain management decisions for and with these patients. Nursing implications and resources for more information are discussed.
Post-thrombotic syndrome is a chronic condition that develops in up to 50% of patients with acute deep vein thrombosis. Its burden includes increased costs, decreased quality of life, and decreased personal productivity.Post-thrombotic syndrome is a chronic condition that develops in up to 50% of patients with acute deep vein thrombosis. Its burden includes increased costs, decreased quality of life, and decreased personal productivity.
Anemia in chronic kidney disease doubles the risk of death and leads to many complications. Management includes erythropoietin-stimulating agent therapy, treatment of iron deficiency, patient education, and collaboration...Anemia in chronic kidney disease doubles the risk of death and leads to many complications. Management includes erythropoietin-stimulating agent therapy, treatment of iron deficiency, patient education, and collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
Baker ND, Taggart HM, Nivens A
… +1 more, Tillman P
Medsurg Nurs
· 2015 · PMID 26306346
Nurses have a key role in detection of delirium, yet this condition remains under recognized and poorly managed. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' knowledge of delirium-related information as well as their per...Nurses have a key role in detection of delirium, yet this condition remains under recognized and poorly managed. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' knowledge of delirium-related information as well as their perception of their level of knowledge.
Bathing disability, evidence of functional decline, predicts admission to long-term care facilities following acute care hospitalizations. Nurses are challenged to assess bathing disability in hospitalized older persons...Bathing disability, evidence of functional decline, predicts admission to long-term care facilities following acute care hospitalizations. Nurses are challenged to assess bathing disability in hospitalized older persons and those with dementia to support their maximal functional performance and implement diverse bathing strategies.
Despite the existence of accepted guidelines to prevent pressure ulcers, interventions are not performed consistently. Many variables, including nurses' attitudes, contribute to the development of pressure ulcers. A revi...Despite the existence of accepted guidelines to prevent pressure ulcers, interventions are not performed consistently. Many variables, including nurses' attitudes, contribute to the development of pressure ulcers. A review of the literature on nurses' attitudes toward pressure ulcer prevention is provided.
Growing evidence suggests intuition in nursing is an important part of effective clinical decision making that supports safe patient care. In this article, the concept of intuition as it relates to decision-making proces...Growing evidence suggests intuition in nursing is an important part of effective clinical decision making that supports safe patient care. In this article, the concept of intuition as it relates to decision-making processes among novice nurses is analyzed.
Cornell P, Gervis MT, Yates L
… +1 more, Vardaman JM
Medsurg Nurs
· 2014 · PMID 26292447
The Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) protocol was used to improve shift reports and interdisciplinary rounding. On a medical-surgical unit, observations were conducted before and after implementation...The Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) protocol was used to improve shift reports and interdisciplinary rounding. On a medical-surgical unit, observations were conducted before and after implementation. Both processes were significantly shorter and more consistent. SBAR enabled more focused and efficient communication.