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[Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part series on medical screening examinations (MSEs) performed by emergency nurses. This month, we cover the potential liability risks of nurse-performed MSEs and how to avoid legal problems. Last month, we reported on benefits seen by two EDs that have implemented this practice.]
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When 103 ED patients, 34 ED physicians, and 44 ED nurses were surveyed, they all agreed on one thing: Treating chronic pain in the ED is a "low priority."
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Nearly half of older patients use prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications together, says a new study, and one in 25 is at risk for a major potential drug-drug interaction. The researchers also found that 29% of these patients use at least five prescription medications.
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Severely dehydrated children are "in imminent danger" due to cardiovascular collapse, increased acidosis, and metabolic abnormalities, all of which can lead to significant morbidity and in some cases mortality, warns P. Jamil Madati, MD, director of emergency medical services at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego.
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To obtain an accurate history from a child, you need to gain their trust, just as you do with adult patients that are in crisis, says Freda Lyon, RN, BSN, MHA, service line administrator at Bixler Emergency Center in Tallahassee, FL.
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[Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part series on medical screening examinations (MSEs) performed by emergency nurses. This month, we report on two EDs that have implemented this practice. Next month, we'll cover the potential liability risks of nurse-performed MSEs and how to them.]
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Point-of-care tests done by ED nurses at triage or the patient's bedside are increasing "both in terms of use and diversity," according to Darlene Matsuoka, RN, MN, CEN, CCRN, ED clinical nurse educator at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
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Children under 2 years old with asthma are more likely than other children to return to the ED within seven days, according to a recent analysis of 4,228 visits.1
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If a patient comes to your ED with a fractured wrist, you'd probably triage them as low acuity based solely on their chief complaint.
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A patient is mistakenly given tenectaplase, an investigational drug, due to it being a "look-alike," with proper protocols not followed.
