A probable meningitis case puts the ED on alert
The care team works quickly to identify the patient’s meningitis type.
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Neurology
A quantum life
Quantum theory explains how you create your life through what you choose to think, then intend and, ultimately, do.
A question of disclosure: RNs often struggle with revealing their health conditions to employers
It’s no secret that Americans are living longer and that deaths from heart disease, stroke, and cancer are on the downswing. It’s also true that more people are…
Act fast when new neurologic deficits arise
Alert clinicians take immediate steps to eliminate a life threatening epidural hematoma.
Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia: Discerning the differences
As the U.S. population ages, the risk for age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia increases. According to Lang and colleagues, about 50% of…
Assessing and managing patients with chronic subdural hematoma
Ruby Jacobs, age 84, arrives at the emergency department with a headache, which she says has gotten worse over the past week despite taking acetaminophen. Her past medical…
Caring for patients with Parkinson’s disease
Learn about assessment, intervention, and teaching for patients with this progressive debilitating disease.
Caring for patients with traumatic brain injuries: Are you up to the challenges?
Many patients face prolonged recovery and permanent disability after a traumatic brain injury. This article reviews appropriate assessment and intervention and highlights family care.
Carotid artery stents: Opening the way to safer stroke prevention
Because of improvements in safety, stents are now the treatment of choice for many patients. Learn about the improvements and your role in patient care.
Cerebral interventional radiology: New options for stroke victims
Every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke; every 4 minutes, someone dies from stroke. Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. The two…
Cerebral salt wasting: An overlooked cause of hyponatremia
Commonly confused with SIADH, cerebral salt wasting can result from such neurologic conditions as subarachnoid hemmorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, intracranial surgery, and brain trauma.
Cervical Spine injuries: Preserving function, improving outcomes
How to provide skilled care that stops the damage and helps your patient manage the injury.
Challenging nursing’s sacred cows
Do you routinely instill normal saline solution into endotracheal tubes before suctioning? Use only the Glasgow Coma Scale for neurologic assessment? Evidence on these and other sacred cows…
Complications after brain hemorrhage repair
To save this patient, the team must halt cerebral artery vasospasms quickly.
Continuing use of statins may reduce risk of delirium in ICU patients
Continuing statin therapy in patients already on this therapy is associated with a lower daily risk of delirium in ICU patients, according to a study in the American…
Current and future newborn screening
Newborn screening illustrates what can happen when genetic testing converges with ethics and electronic health records
Deep-brain stimulation: Hope for dystonia patients
Deep-brain stimulation can make a significant difference in the lives of patients with dystonia.
Dementia: The quiet thief
The nurse’s note read, “not orientated to place and time due to dementia.” Several hours of general anesthesia for a knee replacement and then morphine via a patient-controlled…
Detecting long-term concussion in athletes
Researchers develop method that could one day be used in brain trauma lawsuits Lawyers representing both sides in concussion lawsuits against sports leagues may eventually have a new…
Drugs Today – April 2009
An update of drug news, including alerts, approvals, and removals.
Drugs Today – February 2009
WEB EXCLUSIVE! An update of drug news, including alerts, approvals, and removals.
Drugs Today – January 2009
Web Exclusive! An update of drug news, including alerts, approvals, and removals.
Drugs Today – June 2008
An update of drug news, including alerts, approvals, and removals.
Drugs today – May 2009
An update of drug news, including alerts, approvals and removals.
Drugs Today – October 2008
Web Exclusive! An update of drug news, including alerts, approvals, and removals.
Easing the anguish of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease afflicts not just the person who has it but everyone in that person’s orbit. Learn how to help family members caring for patients with this nursing…
Ethics case study: Poor staffing results in brain-damaged patient
Shirley Keck, age 61, was admitted to Kansas medical center. Because of understaffing of nurses in the hospital, Shirley’s nurse did not assess her often enough and did…
Evaluating the neurologic status of unconscious patients
Assessing the neurologic status of unconscious or comatose patients can be a challenge because they can’t cooperate actively with your examination. But once you become proficient in performing…
Exercise is key part of stroke recovery
Exercise should be prescribed for stroke survivors because it can significantly reduce disability and the risk of recurrent stroke, according to “Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for Stroke…
Facing cranial nerve assessment
This humorous approach will help you take a serious step toward remembering the cranial nerves.
FDA allows marketing of first device to prevent migraine headaches
On March 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed marketing of the first device as a preventative treatment for migraine headaches. This is also the first…
FDA approves medical device for epilepsy
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a device to help reduce the frequency of seizures in epilepsy patients who have not responded well to medications.…
How dolls can help patients with dementia
One evening while making rounds in the geriatric psychiatry unit, a nurse manager heard a patient crying in a little girl’s voice and pleading for her mother and…
Identify the vessel, recognize the stroke
Stroke signs and symptoms vary with the affected blood vessel. Here’s what you need to know when assessing suspected stroke victims.
Improving the care of stroke patients
Is your facility doing enough to help stroke patients survive and regain functional independence? Find out how a national evidence-based initiative helps hospitals deliver better stroke care.
Is it syncope—or something worse?
Sudden unresponsiveness, pallor, and low blood pressure raise red flags.
Is your patient at risk for cerebral edema?
Learn the telltale signs of brain swelling and find out which patients are most at risk.
Knowing “your numbers” counts: ANA campaign urges nurses to promote healthy blood pressure
ANA’s healthy blood pressure campaign targets both consumers and nurses.
Last Breath: The ethics of pharmacologic paralysis
Should patients receive neuromuscular blockers while mechanical ventilation is withdrawn?
Letters to the Editor – February 2008
Lack of evidence-based care for spinal cord injuries In your September article “Cervical spine injuries: Preserving function, improving outcomes,” the author describes as “aggressive care” the administration of…
MARS®: The new frontier in treating acute liver failure
A type of dialysis, MARS removes toxins and replaces lost liver functions.
My Son has Tourette syndrome
Read this nurse’s remarkable story of devotion and acceptance.
New MRI technique may help in early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
Researchers have developed a simple MRI technique that may help in the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Read more and read the study abstract.
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus: The “wet, wobbly, and wacky” triad
An often-missed diagnosis, this condition may mimic certain types of dementia.
Nursing advocates key in democratic-led Congress. Friends of nursing to assume key roles in Democratic controlled Congress.
Nursing advocates key in democratic-led Congress. By Erin McKeon Although the 110th Congress hasn’t finalized its priorities, it seems that several healthcare issues will top the agenda. (more…)
Okay to play? A discussion about sports-related concussion
Learn about the types of concussions, assessment, management, and considerations before a child returns to play.
Overcoming the fear of tonic-clonic seizures
A thoroughly rational approach to the most frightening of seizures.
Pediatric stroke
Learn more about this rare but dangerous condition.
Phenytoin: Keep patients in the range and out of danger
When you administer paternal and enteral phenytoin (Dilantin), make sure your patient stays free from seizures and drug toxicity.
Post-concussive syndrome: What patients and providers need to know
Patients with traumatic brain injuries can suffer from this syndrome for months or even years after injury.
Postdischarge nursing care of stroke patients
Home health nurses play a vital role in helping patients recover from stroke
Precautionary approach guides ANA’s thimerosal policy
ANA’s position statement on thimerosol-containing vaccines emphasizes a precautionary approach.
Primary adrenal insufficiency: Elusive and potentially life-threatening
Often difficult to detect, primary insufficiency can flare into a life-threatening crisis. Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of both chronic and acute insufficiency.
Putting evidence into practice: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
This year continues our series from the Oncology Nursing Society on managing cancer-related symptoms.
Putting Evidence Into Practice: Cognitive impairment
The latest in a series of articles on managing cancer-related symptoms from the Oncology Nursing Society.
Putting evidence into practice: Pain
The latest in a series of articles on managing cancer-related symptoms from the Oncology Nursing Society.
Recognizing spinal cord compression
For a postoperative laminectomy patient, sudden left-sided weakness and sensation loss warrant a STAT return to the OR.
Recognizing, preventing, and managing delirium in hospital patients
Delirium affects 30% to 40% of hospitalized older adults but often goes unrecognized. This article discussed its pathophysiology and risk factors, assessment techniques, and preventative strategies.
Respiratory failure from a myasthenic crisis
Nina Robbins, age 36, is admitted to the medical unit with pyelonephritis. She states she has had a fever above 102° F, back pain, vomiting, and painful urination…
Restless legs syndrome: FAQs you can use
Colin, age 65, can’t stop moving his legs in bed. He feels pin pricks in them and sometimes even a sensation of worms crawling inside them.
Rewards of neuro nursing
I am a nurse at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV, on the Neuro Intensive Care Unit. I work with some of the most critically ill patients. Neurology…
Severe hypoglycemia leads to a seizure
The team scrambles to save a patient with diabetes.
Sleeping in the danger zzzzzzzone
Awaken patients with sleep apnea to the danger of their condition.
Special Report – War on Pain
Nursing Strategies to Improve Pain Care in Veterans and Military Personnel
Speeding to save a stroke victim
The swift response of the healthcare team helps a patient avoid the most devastating effects of a stroke.
Spotting and stopping increased ICP
Rising intracranial pressure calls for fast action.
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.
Stopping a seizure in a pregnant patient
The rapid response team works quickly to try to prevent fetal injury.
Stroke in a child with sickle cell anemia
Adrienne Johnson, age 5, is admitted to the general pediatric unit. She has sickle cell anemia (hemoglobin SS subtype) and recently was discharged after being hospitalized for acute…
Study: Antihypertensives decrease risk of Alzheimer disease
Diuretics, angiotensin-1 receptor blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors seemed to reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD), according to a study, published in Neurology, of adults at least…
Study: Brain and cognitive reserves protect against cognitive decline in patients with MS
A study of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), published in Neurology, has found that brain reserve and cognitive reserve help protect against cognitive decline over 4.5 years. Read…
Study: Cocoa improves cognitive function in older adults
One month of drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day improved neurovascular coupling and cognitive function, according to a double-blind clinical trial of 60 older people published…
Study: Dementia increases risk of incontinence
A UK study in PLOS Medicine found that people with dementia have about three times the rate of urinary incontinence and more than four times the rate of…
Study: Head trauma associated with Alzheimer disease changes
A study published in Neurology has found that among patients with mild cognitive impairment, self-reported head trauma with at least momentary loss of consciousness or memory was associated…
Study: Higher Hgb or receiving EPO doesn’t improve neuro outcomes in patients with TBI
In patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the administration of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) or maintaining a higher hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration through blood transfusion did not improve…
Study: Lower blood glucose may be good for brain function
Even for people who don’t have diabetes, those who have higher glucose levels are more likely to have memory problems, according to a study published by Neurology. The…
Study: Marijuana use in young adults may cause brain changes
The size and shape of two brain regions (the nucleus accumbens and the amygdala) involved in emotion and motivation may differ in young adults who smoke marijuana at…
Study: New delirium severity measure
A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports on an effective new delirium severity measure (CAM-S) based on the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), Read more and read…
Study: No same-day play for athletes with concussion symptoms
Any athlete with concussion symptoms should not be allowed to return to play on the same day, according to the latest consensus statement on sports-related concussion summarized in…
Study: Nonconcussion head impacts may affect cognition
A study in Neurology reports that repeated blows to the head during a season of contact sports may cause changes in the brain’s white matter and affect cognitive…
Study: Phase II drugs may help prevent migraine attacks
Two studies presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 66th Annual Meeting, 2014, may offer hope to people with migraines. The two phase II drugs (ALD403 and LY2951742)…
Study: Playing football and effects on brain
College football players with and without a history of concussions have less volume in the hippocampal region of the brain that relates to memory and emotion, according to…
Study: Premature menopause may affect later-life cognition
Premature menopause is associated with long-term negative effects on cognitive function, suggests a study in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Compared to women who experienced…
Study: Smartphone app valid cognitive dysfunction screening
The Stroop smartphone application (EncephalApp_Stroop) is a short, valid, and reliable tool for screening for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), according to a study in Hepatology. Currently, there are…
Study: TV violence may affect brain development in young adult men
Young adult men who watch more violence on television show indications of less mature brain development and poorer executive functioning, according to a study in Brain and Cognition.…
Study: U.S. women don’t know most stroke warning signs
According to a study in Stroke, many U.S. women don’t know most of the warning signs of stroke. Of the 1,205 women in the telephone survey, 51% identified…
Study: Vitamin E may slow decline from Alzheimer disease
“Effect of Vitamin E and memantine on functional decline in Alzheimer disease,” a study published in JAMA, reports that 2,000 units of vitamin E, compared to placebo, slowed…
Surgical intervention for adults with intractable, drug-resistant epilepsy
Remember the first time a patient had a seizure on your shift? Chances are, it took you by surprise and gave you a good scare. Over time, you’ve…
Take Note – April 2007
A monthly round-up of clinical, practice, and career news, updates, and alerts.
Take Note – April 2009
A monthly round-up of clinical and practice news and alerts.
Take Note – August 2008
Web exclusive! A monthly round-up of clinical and practice news and alerts at www.AmericanNurseToday.com
Take Note – February 2009
WEB EXCLUSIVE! A monthly round-up of clinical and practice news and alerts.
Take Note – January 2007
Controversy over new Lyme disease guidelines The new guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (ISDA) have run into some criticism. In fact, the International Lyme…
Take Note – July 2008
Measles outbreak Between January 1 and April 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received reports of 64 measles cases in nine states—the highest number for the…
Take Note – March 2007
Previous hospital-room occupants may spread MRSA and VRE The risk of acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections increases if the prior hospital-room occupant tested…
Take Note – November 2006
American Diabetes Association releases food guidelines for specific medical categories “When you’re talking about diabetes, there is no ‘one size fits all’ diet,” said Ann Albright, PhD, RD,…
Take Note – November 2007
Medical illiteracy can kill A 6-year study of 3,260 patients ages 65 and older found that almost 40% of those considered medically illiterate died during the study. Only…
Take Note – November 2008
A monthly round-up of clinical and practice news and alerts.
Taking a second look at stroke in women
You can help save lives by learning how stroke symptoms and risk factors differ in women and men.
Transesophageal echocardiography: Getting a clearer view
This minimally invasive approach provides an unobstructed view of nearly all cardiac structures.
Understanding pain in patients with intellectual disabilities
Learn how to detect and manage pain in patients who may not respond to pain in expected ways.
Understanding psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Learn how to care for patients whose seizures reflect psychological disturbances.
Understanding seizures in children
Although seizures are scary for the child, parents, and bystanders, most pediatric seizures can be controlled or eliminated.
Understanding the link between genomics and brain illness
Editor’s note: One of a series of articles from the National Human Genome Research Institute. http://www.genome.gov/ All nurses in clinical practice interact at least occasionally with patients who…
Using evidence-based practice to develop a swallow screen for stroke patients
The author takes the reader on her step-by-step journey that resulted in a change in practice.
Using the FOUR Score scale to assess comatose patients
Move over, Glasgow. There’s a new coma scoring tool in town.
Vagus nerve stimulation may reduce HF symptoms
A global, multicenter randomized clinical trial called INOVATE-HF (INcrease Of VAgal TonE in chronic Heart Failure) is investigating the safety and efficacy of an implantable vagus nerve electrical…
What Works: Improving documentation of restraints in the neuro ICU
Learn how one unit implemented their project, including outcomes and how to overcome barriers.
What you should know about neurogenic shock
Neurogenic shock must be diagnosed and treated early to limit the effects of hypotension and bradycardia and restore adequate tissue oxygenation.
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