July 2011 Vol. 6 No. 7
Communicating with intubated patients: A new approach
Learn how one hospital improved communication between nurses and intubated patients through the use of an algorithm,
new communication devices, and a focused communications course for nurses.
Environment, health, & safety
With the growing reuse of single-use medical devices, ANA supports improvements in end-of-use product management and research on ethical and safety issues related to these devices.
FDA approves Boostrix for older people
FDA approves Brilinta for ACSs
FDA approves drug for scorpion sting
FDA warns against Evital
FDA warns of risk of surgical mesh used to repair pelvic organ prolapse
From Your ANA President
It’s time for nurses to take their own advice so they can model good health practices. ANA’s “Healthy Nurse” program motivates nurses and offers resources to help them get healthy.
Geriatric assessment: Essential skills for nurses
How to assess the integumentary and musculoskeletal systems, head, neck, face, and functional status
Headlines from the Hill
ANA CEO “stars” with actress Jessica Alba in the fight against toxic chemicals.
Healing the wounds: Quantum nursing V
Quantum nursing demands that nurses honor each person’s
humanity, promote independence and autonomy, and offer the
opportunity for individuals to redefine for themselves who they are and how they choose to live.
Issues up close – Fighting the invisible
MRSA, Clostridium difficile, and newly emerging “superbugs” are penetrating deeper into both healthcare and community settings. We need to use critical-thinking skills and rigorous infection control practices to outsmart these pathogens.
July 2011 e-Edition
NEJM: Public views on Medicare and the budget deficit
New genetic variation identified with restless legs syndrome
New report on health information exchange released
NICHE announces October leadership training
Optimism protects older adults from stroke
OUR READERS RESPOND
Professional social networking for nurses
References
Research consent forms still too complex
RN: Pride and prejudice
Why do some high-profile nurses deny their professional identity as RNs?
Simple steps to improve your retirement readiness
Smoking and mental illness
Spotting trouble after spinal surgery
The rapid response team makes all the right moves when a patient experiences neck swelling and difficulty swallowing after an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
Stroke in pregnancy on the rise
Study finds no difference in self-esteem among men and women during adolescence or young adulthood
Therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest
Until recently, the outlook for patients who remained comatose after cardiac arrest was dire. But therapeutic hypothermia is turning the tide. Learn the facts about this life-saving approach.
Tracheostomy care: An evidence-based guide
To promote positive outcomes in patients with trach tubes, nurses need to stay up-to-date on best practices and develop and maintain the necessary skills.
What you need to know about bipolar disorder
Extreme mood and behavior swings, disrupted lives, reduced life expectancy, obstacles to getting help—these are among the effects
of bipolar disorder. When you understand this condition, you can help enhance your patient’s quality of life. Besides disrupting lives, this illness can reduce life expectancy significantly.