‘Tis the season…to immunize
For many nurses, August is a whirlwind of back-to-school activity. And it’s not just the crunch of shopping for school…
Technology / Equipment
“Metal-on-metal” hip implant concerns on the rise
The New York Times published an article on concerns related to “metal-on-metal” hip implants. Read the article at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/health/04metalhip.html?partner=rss&emc=rss.
2009 H1N1 Flu – Situation Update (11.09.09)
Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators…
2009 H1N1 Flu: Situation Update (10.14.09)
Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators…
2009 H1N1 Flu: Situation Update (10.23.2009)
Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators…
2009 Pharmaceutical Grow
IMS Health reports a 5.1% growth in 2009 U.S. sales of pharmaceuticals, to $300.3 billion, compared to a 1.8% growth…
2009: H1N1 Flu: Situation Update (10.16.09)
Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators…
A Case Study: Using Technology to Build a Culture of Safety
An emphasis on a culture of safety and appropriate use of technology help the organization deliver safer and more efficient health care.
A catastrophic diagnosis puts nursing care to the test
The complicated case of a retiree with a newly diagnosed lung tumor kicks off our new “Case Study” department.
A new oral anticoagulant hits the market
Pradaxa gives clinicians a new tool for preventing strokes and
blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. Learn how it works,
who’s eligible to receive it, and how to administer it.
A new surgical intervention for reflux treatment
Learn about LINX, a surgical procedure for treating chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Advancing adoption of the electronic health record
Experts at the federal level are working to actualize the promise of health information technology.
AHRQ releases Spanish medication tracking tool
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released a newly revised Spanish language medication tracking tool, “Su medicamento: Infórmese.…
Amazing apps: Space-age tools for clinicians
Health apps hold the promise of greater access to medical services, better monitoring of chronic conditions, and improved patient outcomes.
ANA Immunize resource
Click to visit www.anaimmunize.org, the American Nurses Association’s online immunization resource.
Applying a systematic approach to new-product assessment
Take the spontaneity out of new-product purchases to control costs and keep patients safe.
Applying a systematic approach to new-product assessment
Take the spontaneity out of new-product purchases to control costs and keep patients safe.
Avastin may lose metastatic breast cancer indication
An U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-advisory panel has voted to strip Avastin’s indication for metastatic breast cancer because the…
Banner Simulation Medical Center: Using simulation to set up new nurses for success
Today, many nursing students graduate from educational programs without the clinical skills and judgment they need to handle a typical…
Bar coding effective for reducing med errors
Combining bar coding with an electronic medication-administration system (bar-code eMAR) substantially reduces transcription and medication administration errors according a study…
Beasts, gods and FaceTime: The anguish of visitor limitations during the COVID-19 pandemic
For the foreseeable future, efforts to minimize human contact will remain in place as part of the response to the…
Best practices for seasonal influenza immunization
Seasonal influenza and influenza-related complications are the most frequent causes of death from a vaccine preventable disease in the United…
Blood transfusions: How technology can improve patient safety
Testing a prototype identification system leads to 100% acuracy.
Boston Scientific recall under investigation
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating Boston Scientific’s…
Boston Scientific recalls implantable cardioverter defibrillators
On March 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Boston Scientific notified it that the company has stopped…
Capnography: A vital sign for the 21st century
Unlike traditional vital signs, capnography yields clear, specific information about the patient’s condition and quickly alerts you to life-threatening disturbances.
CDC publishes updates to immunization schedules for children and adults
Vaccines are known as one of the greatest achievements in public health over the last century. And each year, it…
CDC recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month
Click to visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam, where you can find information from the CDC concerning this year’s National Immunization Awareness Month.
CDC releases recommendations related to doxycycline shortages
On June 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released recommendations related to the continued shortage of doxycycline,…
Ceiling lifts and safe patient handling and mobility programs
Equipment accessibility and multifunctionality help ensure program success. Editor’s note: This is an early release of a web exclusive article…
Central venous catheter dressings put to the test
A nursing team’s research findings lead to hospital-wide savings.
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…
Continuous renal replacement therapy: Dialysis for critically ill patients
This technique slowly removes wastes and excess plasma water, helping patients recover from their illness.
Counterfeit surgical mesh
On March 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about counterfeit surgical mesh being distributed under C.…
CRRT spells success against acute renal failure in critically ill patients
Why critically ill patients with acute renal failure need continuous renal replacement therapy.
Current and future newborn screening
Newborn screening illustrates what can happen when genetic testing converges with ethics and electronic health records
Davol XenMatrix Surgical Graft recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified healthcare professionals that several lots of XenMatrix Surgical Graft have been recalled because…
Deep-brain stimulation: Hope for dystonia patients
Deep-brain stimulation can make a significant difference in the lives of patients with dystonia.
Detecting cardiac injury with telemetry
With multi-lead telemetry monitoring, a nurse detects dangerous changes in her patient’s heart rhythm, permitting quick action before an acute MI does permanent damage.
Do no harm
Our editor-in-chief tackles the issue of mandatory flu vaccination.
Do you know the schedule for vaccinating children?
Learn how to promote pediatric immunizations in your practice. Part of ANA’s Bringing Immunity to Every Community campaign. this handout stresses the importance of vaccinating children and their caregivers, parents, and siblings.
Do you know the vaccination requirements for adolescents and adults?
This handout, part of ANA's Bringing Immunity to Every Community campaign,
provides the tools you need to ensure that adolescents and adults
get appropriate vaccinations.
Do you know which vaccines are recommended for special populations?
Pregnant and postpartum women, immunocompromised
children, and persons at high risk for flu-related complications have special immunization needs. Part of ANA’s Bringing
Immunity to Every Community campaign, this handout
explains how to help ensure that these vulnerable populations are protected.
Don’t use injector devices for flu vaccines, states FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises healthcare professions not to use injector devices to administer influenza vaccines. Currently only…
DPP-4 inhibitors: A new option for diabetes management
Drugs that inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) may improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, reducing the risk of disease complications.
Drug approval for breast cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Tykerb (lapatinib) in combination with Femara (letrozole) to treat hormone positive and…
Drug shortages unprecedented says ISMP
The July 29 issue of the Institute for Safe Medication Practice’s ISMP Medication Safety Alert! states that the number of…
Drugs Today – April 2009
An update of drug news, including alerts, approvals, and removals.
Drugs Today – August 2008
Web Exclusive! An update of drug news, including alerts, approvals, and removals, at www.AmericanNurseToday.com/journal.
Drugs Today – December 2008
Web exclusive! 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 – July 2008
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 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 – November 2008
Web Exclusive! An update of drug news, including alerts, approvals, and removals at www.AmericanNurseToday.com/journal.
Early imaging reduces length of stay
According to the study “Patients Imaged Early During Admission Demonstrate Reduced Length of Hospital Stay: A Retrospective Cohort Study of…
Easing the way for the electronic health record
Pressure is building to develop a national electronic health record – and the nursing profession is playing a pivotal role in developing the standards needed to support it.
ECRI releases top 10 health technology hazards for 2011
ECRI Institute has released its Top 10 Lists of Health Technology Hazards for 2011: radiation therapy dose errors, alarm hazards,…
Emerging markets make gains in medical technology innovation
Emerging markets such as China, India, and Brazil are “gaining ground” in medical technology innovation and may surpass developed countries…
Enclosure bed: A tool for calming agitated patients
By Dawn Walters, MS, RN, Vice-President of Behavioral Health and Rehabilitation Services Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, New York As…
Enhancing nursing curriculum with an injection of technology
Use online tools to engage and motivate students. Evidence-based research has changed teaching from a traditional teacher-centered approach to a…
Enhancing patient outcomes with sequential compression device therapy
Use sequential compression devices effectively to help achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.
Entirely subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shows positive results
The New England Journal of Medicine has published a pilot study of entirely subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The study found the…
Fall prevention kit reduces falls
A randomized trial showed that using a falls prevention toolkit decreased falls in four Boston-area hospitals. Patients older than 65…
FDA Advises to stop using Rotarix
On March 22, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended a temporary suspension of the vaccine Rotarix although currently there…
FDA allows marketing of ‘next generation’ gene sequencing devices
On Nov. 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed marketing of four diagnostic devices that can be used…
FDA allows marketing of device to help assess children and teens for ADHD
On June 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed marketing of the first medical device based on brain…
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…
FDA allows marketing of first system to repair failed or problematic aortic endografts
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is allowing marketing of the first system—a minimally invasive option—that can repair a failed…
FDA allows marketing of military dressing
On April 3, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is allowing marketing of an expandable, multi-sponge wound…
FDA announces agreement in principle on medical device user fees
On Feb. 1, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and medical device industry representatives announced they had reached an…
FDA announces guidelines for polymyxin, vecuronium recall
On Jan. 12, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Bedford Laboratories states certain vials of polymyxin and vecuronium…
FDA announces import of injectable drugs used in TPN to ease shortage
On May 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announces that injectable drugs used in total parenteral nutrition (TPN)…
FDA approves Afrezza
On June 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder, a rapid-acting inhaled insulin…
FDA approves Boostrix for older people
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Boostrix vaccine to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis in people…
FDA approves Botox for treatment of overactive bladder
On Jan. 18, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) to treat adults…
FDA approves Brilinta for ACSs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Brilinta (ticarelor) for reducing cardiovascular death and heart attack in patients…
FDA approves contrast agent for CNS MRI scans
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Gadavist (gadobutrol), a contrast agent for use in patients undergoing magnetic resonance…
FDA approves Corifact for congenital Factor XIII deficiency
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Corifact, the first product for preventing bleeding in people with congenital Factor…
FDA approves Diclegis for pregnant women who have nausea and vomiting
On April 8, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Diclegis (doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride) to treat pregnant…
FDA approves DNA test to help manage CMV infection in organ transplant patients
On July 5, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan CMV Test, a DNA viral load test…
FDA approves drug for rare cholesterol disorder
On Dec. 21, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Juxtapid (lomitapide) to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein…
FDA approves drug for scorpion sting
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved Anascorp, the first specific treatment for a scorpion sting by Centruroides…
FDA approves drug for treating rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
On July 3, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Beleodaq (belinostat) for the treatment of patients with peripheral…
FDA approves drug to reduce risk of preterm birth
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Makena (hydroxyprogesterone caproate) injection to reduce the risk of preterm delivery…
FDA approves Exjade to treat excess iron in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia
On Jan. 23, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Exjade (deferasirox) to treat patients…
FDA approves expanded use of Prevnar vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Prevnar 13, a pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine, in…
FDA approves extended-release, single-entity hydrocodone product
On Oct. 25, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zohydro ER (hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsules) for the management…
FDA approves first drug-eluting stent for treating PAD
On Nov. 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Zilver PTX Drug-Eluting Peripheral Stent (Zilver PTX Stent),…
FDA approves first flu vaccine using new manufacturing technique
On Nov. 20, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Flucelvax, the first seasonal influenza vaccine licensed in the…
FDA approves first generic version of Lipitor
The U.S. Food and Drug administration has approved the first generic version of Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium). Read more.
FDA approves first generic versions of Cymbalta
On Dec. 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first generic versions of Cymbalta (duloxetine delayed-release capsules).…
FDA approves first implantable wireless device with remote monitoring to measure PAP in certain heart failure patients
On May 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the CardioMEMS HF System, which measures the pulmonary artery…
FDA approves first quadrivalent vaccine to prevent seasonal influenza
On Feb. 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of FluMist Quadrivalent, the first influenza vaccine…
FDA approves first retinal implant for adults with advanced retinitis pigmentosa
On Feb. 20, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System, the first…
FDA approves Gardasil for prevention of anal cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the vaccine Gardasil for the prevention of anal cancer and associated…
FDA approves Gazyva for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
On Nov. 1, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for use in combination with chlorambucil to…
FDA approves gel to stop blood flow during blood vessel surgery
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved LeGoo, a gel that stops blood flow during blood vessel surgery so…
FDA approves head lice treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Natroba (spinosad) Topical Suspension 0.9% for the treatment of head lice in…
FDA approves Imbruvica to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia
On Feb. 13, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the approved use of Imbruvica (ibrutinib) for chronic lymphocytic…
FDA approves Kcentra for urgent reversal of anticoagulation in adults
On April 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kcentra (Prothrombin Complex Concentrate, Human) for the urgent reversal…
FDA approves Lucentis for diabetic macular edema
On Aug. 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) for the treatment of diabetic macular…
FDA approves marketing of postnatal test for developmental disabilities
On Jan. 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announce that it has authorized for marketing the Affymetrix CytoScan…
FDA approves Marqibo for rare type of leukemia
On Aug. 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Marqibo (vincristine sulfate liposome injection) to treat adults with…
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…
FDA approves new combination vaccine for children
On June 14, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Menhibrix, a combination vaccine for infants and children ages…
FDA approves new daily treatment for RLS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Horizant Extended Release Tablets (gabapentin enacarbil) as a daily treatment for moderate-to-severe…
FDA approves new device for asthma
On April 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first medical device that uses radiofrequency energy to treat…
FDA approves new device for non-open surgical treatment of brain aneurysms
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) for brain aneurysms. PED is a flexible…
FDA approves new diabetes drug
On March 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Invokana (canagliflozin) tablets to treat adults with type 2…
FDA approves new drug for COPD
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved roflumilast, an oral drug that reduces exacerbations from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary…
FDA approves new drug for irritable bowel syndrome and constipation
On Aug. 30, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Linzess (linaclotide) to treat chronic idiopathic constipation and to…
FDA approves new drug for lupus
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Benlysta (belimumab) for treatment of lupus. The FDA last approved a drug…
FDA approves new drug for osteoporosis
On June 1, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Prolia (denosumab), an injectable treatment for postmenopausal women with…
FDA approves new drug for schizophrenia
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Latuda (lurasidone HCL) tables for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia. Read…
FDA approves new drug for severe drooling
On July 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cuvposa (glycopyrrolate) Oral Solution to treat chronic severe drooling…
FDA approves new drug treatments for type 2 diabetes
On Jan. 25, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three new related products for the treatment of…
FDA approves new implantable hearing device
On March 20, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first implantable device for people 18 and older…
FDA approves new implanted hearing system
On March 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of the Esteem, an implanted hearing system for…
FDA approves new indication for imaging agent
On June 13, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a new use for Lymphoseek (technetium 99m tilmanocept) Injection, a…
FDA approves new MRI agent
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dotarem (gadoterate meglumine) for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of…
FDA approves new MS drug
On Sept. 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Aubagio (teriflunomide), a once-a-day tablet for the treatment of…
FDA approves new silicone breast implant
On Feb. 20, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Gel…
FDA approves new stent for treatment of pseudocysts of the pancreas
On Dec. 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed marketing of the AXIOS Stent and Delivery System for…
FDA approves new treatment for genetic coagulation disorder
On Dec. 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tretten, Coagulation Factor XIII A-Subunit (Recombinant), the first recombinant…
FDA approves new treatment for metastatic melanoma
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Yervoy (ipilimumab) for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. Read more…
FDA approves Omontys for anemia in dialysis patients
On March 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Omontys (peginesatide) to treat anemia in adult patients who…
FDA approves Osphena for postmenopausal women with dyspareunia
On Feb. 26, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Osphena (ospemifene) to treat women with moderate to…
FDA approves Perjeta for late-stage breast cancer
On June 8, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Perjeta (pertuzumab), a new anti-HER2 therapy, to treat patients…
FDA approves Pomalyst for advanced multiple myeloma
On Feb. 8, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pomalyst (pomalidomide) to treat patients with multiple myeloma…
FDA approves seasonal flu vaccine made using novel technology
On Jan. 16, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Flublok, the first trivalent influenza vaccine made using…
FDA approves Simponi for ulcerative colitis
May 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new use for Simponi (golimumab) injection: to treat adults…
FDA approves Synribo for chronic myelogenous leukemia
On Oct. 26, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Synribo (omacetaxine mepesuccinate) for the treatment of adults with…
FDA approves test to distinguish between MRSA and MSSA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the first test that can quickly distinguish between methicillin resistant Staphylococcus…
FDA approves treatment for hereditary angioedema
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Firazyr (icatibant) Injection for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary…
FDA approves vaccine to prevent meningitis in infants, toddlers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Menactra for children as young as 9 months for the prevention of…
FDA approves Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis
On Nov. 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xeljanz (tofacitinib) to treat adults with moderately to severely…
FDA clears STERIS system
On April 5, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the STERIS System 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System. The…
FDA drops certain restrictive requirements for Nplate and Promacta
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced changes to the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies for Nplate (romiplostim) and…
FDA expands access to artificial heart valve to inoperable patients
On Sept. 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved revised labeling for the Sapien Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV),…
FDA expands Zytiga’s use for late-stage breast cancer
On Dec. 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the approved use of Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) to treat men…
FDA halts Avandia trial enrollment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified GlaxoSmithKline that the post-marketing trial of Avandia (rosiglitazone) is on “partial clinical…
FDA issue draft guidance on making opioids harder to abuse
On Jan. 9, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a draft guidance document to assist industry in…
FDA issues final guidance for mobile medical apps
On Sept. 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued final guidance for developers of mobile medical apps. The…
FDA issues safety communication for HeartStart AEDs
On Nov. 25, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication stating that certain HeartStart automated external…
FDA looks to improve medical device review process
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to implement changes in 2011 designed to improve review of medical devices. Read…
FDA permits marketing of dengue fever test
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is allowing marketing of the first test to help diagnose people with signs and…
FDA permits marketing of device to seal lung punctures
On Dec. 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed marketing of the Bio-Seal Lung Biopsy Tract Plug System, a…
FDA permits marking of hand-held scanner for detecting intracranial hematomas
On Dec. 13, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it was allowing marketing of the first hand-held device…
FDA proposes lower risk classification for external pacemakers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a proposed rule and draft special controls guidance that would lower the…
FDA proposes new policy for some devices
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new policy that reduces premarket notification requirements related to devices…
FDA recommends healthcare facilities take steps to protect against medical cyberattack
On June 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that medical device manufacturers and health care facilities take…
FDA releases draft guideline related to nanotechnology
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released “Considering Whether an FDA-Regulated Product Involves the Application of Nanotechnology,” a draft…
FDA seeks advice on metal-on-metal hip replacements
On March 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a two-day expert advisory panel meeting on metal-on-metal…
FDA warns against Evital
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to take the emergency birth control medicine labeled as…
FDA warns of potential risk of liver injury in ADPKD patients taking Samsca
On Jan. 25, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified healthcare professionals of significant liver injury associated with the…
FDA warns of risk of surgical mesh used to repair pelvic organ prolapse
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning for surgical placement of mesh through the vagina to repair…
Fecal microbiota transplantation: Breaking the chain of recurrent C. difficile infection
The author describes an innovative technique that is helping patients with C. difficile infection, including patient selection; care before, during, and after the procedure; and patient education.
Few health problems caused by vaccines says IOM report
Adverse Effects of Vaccines: Evidence and Causality, a new report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) states, “few health problems…
Genetic research sheds light on common complex diseases
Using new tools, researchers are exploring complex disorders in which genes and the environment strongly interact.
Genetic/Genomic Competency Center
The Genetic/Genomic Competency Center (G2C2, http://www.g-2-c-2.org/) is a new free online resource created to help educators teach the next generation…
Genetics and ethics in health care and nursing
Review these excerpts from anew book on genetics and ethics in health and nursing.
Get on board the technology express
“Technology: No place for wimps!” —Scott Adams, “Dilbert” cartoonist Technology surrounds us, supports us, and sometimes smothers us. It is…
Get Savvy to syncope
Syncope is a common occurrence and is commonly benign. But sometimes a swoon signals a serious underlying condition. Learn what causes syncope and how to assess and intervene for a patient who has just experienced it.
Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing releases first iPad app
On Feb. 5, 2013, the New York University College of Nursing’s (NYUCN) Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing (HIGN) announced the…
HbA1c poor way to identify children with diabetes
HbA1c is not a reliable way to identify children with diabetes according to a study in DiabetesCare. The study authors…
High-fidelity patient simulations: A classroom learning tool
More nursing schools are using computerized manikins to help
students gain skills and develop clinical judgment.
How electronic health records are improving health care for elderly patients
Innovative information technology tools help ensure patients get the right care at the right time.
How inflammatory markers refine CV risk status
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) originates from atherosclerosis, a disease in which low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles build up in the arterial wall.
How nurses drive rapid electronic records implementation
Nurses in one large healthcare system are involved at all levels of EHR implementation
How to identify atrioventricular blocks
These arrhythmias can be tricky to interpret on a rhythm strip.
The author guides you through the basics.
How to implement the electronic health record in undergraduate nursing education
At schools that have integrated electronic health records into the
curricula, students learn the importance of entering, managing,
and using data to produce information and knowledge.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: Not just another device
Increasing numbers of patients at risk for sudden cardiac death are receiving ICDs for primary prevention. This article explains how ICD therapy has grown more complicated.
Inhaled therapies for cystic fibrosis: Current and future trends
Several therapies are available to help patients with this progressive disease who develop airway infections.
Issues up close
Adult immunization rates in the United States are well below national public health goals. Find out what steps you can take to raise disease awareness and boost vaccine coverage.
Issues up close
ANA’s “Bringing Immunity to Every Community” campaign aims to boost RNs’ knowledge of immunization, encourage them to get vaccinated, and position them as leading immunization advocates.
Keeping cardiac arrest patients alive with therapeutic hypothermia
Create a protocol for this lifesaving intervention at your facility.
Letters to the Editor – November 2008
Easy and inexpensive Thank you for Susan Fetzer’s excellent article, “Putting a stop to postop nausea and vomiting,” in the…
MARS®: The new frontier in treating acute liver failure
A type of dialysis, MARS removes toxins and replaces
lost liver functions.
Maximize your reprocessing program
Reprocessing can help an organization save money and protect the environment.
Metronidazole recall announced
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Teva Pharmaceuticals, USA is voluntarily recalling Metronidazole Tablets USP, 250mg, lot…
Microalbumin: Little test, big payoff
The earlier renal disease is detected, the better. That’s why the microalbumin test is so important for patients with certain chronic conditions.
Mitral valve repair: A new choice
Learn the advantages of repairing a mitral valve instead of replacing it.
Mumps on the rebound
After decades of dormancy, mumps is back and could be making an appearacne soon at a clinic or hospital near you.
Myasthenia gravis: An update
Learn more about this common disorder of neuromuscular transmission and its affects on patients
NeoProfen recalled
Lundbeck Inc. has recalled two lots of NeoProfen (ibuprofen lysine) that failed to meet a visible particulate quality requirement. NeoProfen…
New cardiac imaging technique holds promise
Combined 3D myocardial scar and coronary imaging to create a fused volumetric image display was found to be “clinically feasible…
New colorectal screening guidelines
Screening for colorectal cancer is still underused, especially by low-income people, the uninsured, Asians and Hispanics, foreign-born people, and those…
New High-Dose Influenza Vaccine for Seniors
A news release from Sanofi Pasteur includes information on the first shipment of a new high-dose influenza vaccine for adults…
New innovative device for monitoring heart failure shows promise
In the future, a small sensor inserted into the pulmonary artery may be used to collect pulmonary artery pressure data…
New lupus drug one step closer to approval
An advisory panel has recommended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approve Benlysta; it would be the first new drug…
New minimally invasive technique treats acute DVT
Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy removes dangerous clots to restore healthy function in hours.
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…
New needle-free jet injection device offers improvement over similar devices
Researchers at MIT have developed a needle-free injection device to deliver drugs. The device offers greater control than previous devices…
New online resource: Genetic/Genomic Competency Center
The Genetic/Genomic Competency Center (G2C2, http://www.g-2-c-2.org/) is a new free online resource created to help educators teach the next generation of nurses and physician assistants about genetics and genomics.
New pain drug developed
Researchers have developed a new opioid drug, UMB 425, which is as strong as morphine, but has reduced tolerance over…
New report on health information exchange released
“Secrets of HIE Success Revealed: Lessons from the Leaders,” a report released by the National eHealth Collaborative, features 12 case…
New report on how mobile devices are transforming health care
May’s Issues in Technology Innovation includes the report “How Mobile Devices are Transforming Healthcare,” which includes a review of techniques…
Nicotine-free inhaler helps stop smoking
In a study of 120 smokers, those who saw handling of the cigarette as an important part of smoking and…
NIH plans new center for promoting drug development
A National Institute of Health (NIH) advisory board has approved the creation of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, a…
Nurse leaders discuss the nurse’s role in driving technology decisions
In an AMNT roundtable, executives discuss the value of engaging frontline nurses in technology decisions, explore the chief nursing officer’s role in technology selection, and exchange views on how technology improves patient outcomes.
Nursing leaders hold the key to translating genomics into practice
A survey of attitudes, knowledge and genomic competency
Obesity treatment devices resource
“Obesity Treatment Devices,” a section on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, provides information on the only two…
OTC asthma inhalers with CFCs will not be available after 2011
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that over-the-counter (OTC) asthma inhalers containing chloroflouorocarbons (CFCs) will no longer be…
Our Readers Respond
Family initiated rapid response team After reading the article “Family initiated rapid response team (FIRR)” by Ehrig S., Hepburn, J.,…
Overcoming obstacles to vaccination
More children are going unvaccinated these days. This article can help reverse this worrisome trend.
Paperless in the United Kingdom: National Health Service goal for 2018
The National Health Service must embrace technology to meet the challenges it faces.
Patient handling: Fact vs. Fiction
Although the hazards of manual patient lifting and transferring are well known, misinformation persists.
Peril on Periphery
Peripheral arterial disease is all too common – and all too often goes unrecognized.
Pertussis resurgence continues unabated
American Nurse Today…Online reported on the nationwide pertussis, or whooping cough, outbreak in June. Unfortunately, four months later, the updated…
Pharmacology review: Drugs that alter blood coagulation
Brush up on your knowledge of these potentially life-saving drugs.
Placebos without deception effective for IBS
An open-label study of 80 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found that those who knew they were receiving a…
Potential new treatment for SRI-resistant patients with depression
S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), a naturally occurring molecule, may be an effective treatment for patients with depression who don’t respond to…
Precision and perfection
Our Editor-in-Chief tells the story of her experience as a patient.
Preparing for electronic health records in the UK
The transition to a paperless health system is a chance for nurses to shape the technology.
Progress report: Electronic health records and HIT in the United States
Electronic health records, HIT, and nursing informatics are transforming American health care.
Propoxyphene taken off market
Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which makes Darvon and Darvocet, the brand versions of the prescription pain medication propoxyphene, has agreed to…
Protect yourself and your patients with vaccination
Why is immunization so crucial for nurses? Which vaccinations should all nurses get? Find out with this educational handout focusing on national efforts to reduce vaccine-preventable disease through ANA’s Bringing Immunity to Every Community campaign.
Providing optimal care for patients with central catheters
Confused about central catheters? Here’s what you need to know.
Pulse oximetry: An essential tool for the busy med-surg nurse
Pulse oximetry helps med-surg nurses meet the challenge of caring for the greater numbers of acutely ill patients they’re seeing.
Quiz Time
A nurse working in the intensive care unit administers 100 mg of diazepam I.V. as ordered by the new resident.…
Quiz Time
Which of the following is an advantage of a dry-suction chest drainage system? a. Lower levels of suction pressure b.…
Quiz Time
A goal of the induction phase of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest is to: a. quickly warm the patient to…
Radiation therapy 101
More than half of cancer patients get radiation therapy. This
article gives a basic overview of this potentially life-saving treatment, discusses nursing interventions for radiation patients, and tells you what you need to know to provide education and emotional support to patients and their families.
Recall of MedStream Programmable Infusion Pump and Refill Kits
On Oct. 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that Codman & Shrutleff, Inc., has recalled its MedStream…
Recall of metoclopramide and ondansetron injections
On Oct. 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that Hospira has recalled one lot of metoclopramide injection…
Recent advances in cardiac diagnostic and surgical procedures
New techniques expand the options for high-risk patients and cause fewer complications than conventional surgery.
Report highlights herb dangers in patients with cardiovascular disease
The Feb. 9 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology includes a report on the dangers of…
Seasonal flu, the holidays, and you: An update on the 2011-12 flu season
It never fails — you waited all year for a special holiday party, and the day of the party, you…
Seasonal influenza immunization for healthcare workers gains attention
Flu season approaches. Protect yourself and your patients by getting immunized.
Seasonal influenza vaccination and the nurse
Seasonal influenza vaccination and the nurse We are about to enter the seasonal influenza vaccination year. There continues to be…
Single sigmoidoscopy screen reduces colorectal cancers
Undergoing a single screening sigmoidoscopy between ages 55 and 64 reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer according to a study…
Six more hot drugs for today and beyond
These six drug profiles, along with the six in the March issue of American Nurse Today, bring you up to date on significant advances in drug therapy.
Standardizing handoff communication
An electronic tool helps ensure care continuity and reduces miscommunication. Takeaways: Using a standardized electronic handoff tool improves nurse-to-nurse communication.…
Stenvig appointed to National Vaccine Advisory Committee
Thomas Stenvig, PhD, MPH, RN, CNAA-BC, has a long and distinguished career in immunization and public health. And now, he…
Stroke and the Rise of Telehealth – What Nurses Need To Know
Telehealth in stroke care “One minute the patient is completely fine and then blood flow to the brain is disrupted,”…
Study finds LTRA as effective as inhaled steroids in first-line asthma management
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treatment with a leukotriene-receptor antagonist (LTRA) was as effective…
Study finds pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccine can be given at same time
Contrary to what is stated in the herpes zoster vaccine insert, a study found that administering the vaccine at the…
Study: Flu shots reduce risk of MI in middle-aged people with narrowed arteries
A study in Heart has found another benefit of influenza vaccination: It may reduce the risk of myocardial infarction in…
Study: Flu vaccine prevented millions of illnesses in past 6 years
According to “Influenza Illness and Hospitalizations Averted by Influenza Vaccination in the United States, 2005–2011,” published in PLOSOne, vaccination prevented…
Study: MRI may help diagnose bipolar disorder
According to a study in Psychological Medicine, MRIs may help diagnose people with bipolar disorder. The researchers correctly differentiated bipolar…
Study: Natural compound may block effects of methamphetamine
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that resveratrol may block the effects of methamphetamine. Read more.
Study: Radiation therapy skin reactions may be preventable
Severe skin reactions during radiation therapy could be prevented by applying a thin transparent silicone dressing to the skin from…
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…
Take Note – April 2007
A monthly round-up of clinical, practice, and career news, updates, and alerts.
Take Note – August 2007
Good news for younger women taking estrogen Estrogen therapy may have cardioprotective effects for women who start taking it in…
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 – July 2008
Measles outbreak Between January 1 and April 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received reports of 64 measles…
Take Note – July/August 2009
A weekly round-up of clinical and practice news and alerts.
Take Note – June 2007
A monthly round up of clinical, practice, and career news, updates, and alerts.
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…
Take Note – November 2008
A monthly round-up of clinical and practice news and alerts.
Take Note – October 2008
Web Exclusive! A monthly round-up of clinical and practice news and alerts.
Take Note – Sept/Oct 2009
Patients lose when nurse staffing is insufficient Heavy workloads and insufficient staffing affect patient care, according to about 2,000 nurses…
Take Note – September 2008
Johnson & Johnson’s Campaign for Nursing’s Future In 2002, Johnson & Johnson launched the Campaign for Nursing’s Future to enhance…
Technology, transformation, and the nursing workforce
Nursing informatics professionals are ready to lead the transformation to a technology-enabled healthcare environment.
Technology: The great enabler
Where would you be without a “smart” phone to manage your life? We’ve adapted to noxious ring tones; how have we adapted to technology in nursing?
The Avandia saga
Read an interesting editorial about Avandia here. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel recommended keeping the drug on the…
The challenges of influenza season 2009-10
The upcoming influenze season poses additional challenges.
The disappearing inpatient
As hospital admissions shrink, nursing jobs are shiftingto other areas, such as outpatient offices, clinics, postacute facilities, and home care.
The Joint Commission: COVID-19 response and accreditation
Resources and advocacy to support healthcare organizations. Takeaways: The Joint Commission has taken actions to support health care organizations with…
The magnetic draw of information technology
With a shrinking workforce and more complex healthcare, how can nurses raise the bar on clinical excellence? One hospital uses health information technology to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary errors – and has gained Magnet status in the process.
The role of pharmacogenomics in cancer
Oncology nurses have long appreciated that the “one size fits all” strategy—basing chemotherapy dosages on body surface area—for treating cancer…
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved two drugs
Morphine Sulfate Oral Solution, used to relieve moderate to severe pain in patients tolerant to opioids. liraglutide (Victoza), a once-daily…
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.
Transforming care through health information technology
Editor-in-Chief Pam Cipriano interviews the nation’s health IT "czar" on
nurses’ role in transforming health care through the electronic health record.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FA) approved Voraxaze (glucarpidase)
On Jan. 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FA) approved Voraxaze (glucarpidase) to treat patients with toxic blood levels…
Understanding end-tidal CO2 monitoring
This noninvasive technique gives early warning of respiratory compromise.
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.
Unite to Fight the Flu – Influenza Season Update
There is a saying that if you’ve experienced one influenza season, you’ve experienced one influenza season. Influenza is a highly…
Using antibiotics effectively for acute-care patients
In the ever-escalating war between bacteria and human beings, some of the bugs are outsmarting us. Here’s what you need to know about antibiotic therapy to help reduce bacterial resistance and optimize therapy for patients with acute infections.
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 technology to make evidence-based staffing assignments
Workforce-management software and operational integration help match the right nurse to the right patient at the right time.
USPSTF recommends hepatitis B screening for high-risk people
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released “Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults,”…
Vascular closure devices: What you know can prevent serious complications
Your knowledge and your patient teaching can be the difference between a quick recovery and a serious complication.
Viewpoint: Global healthcare worker influenza vaccination: To mandate or not to mandate
Should healthcare workers be required to obtain flu vaccines? The author presents both sides of the issue.
Virtual colonoscopy: A noninvasive look at the colon
Colonoscopy minus the colonoscope; accuracy without invasiveness. These are just a few of the benefits of virtual colonoscopy.
Virtual learning: Nurse leaders offer strategies for choosing online programs
Technology has touched nearly every aspect of Americans’ lives. It’s changed how people communicate, work, and learn. And while some…
Virtual technology prepares nurses for a hospital move
Virtual-building orientation teaches hospital staff how to
navigate a new building even before the move takes place.
Warfarin therapy and pharmacogenomics: A step toward personalized medicine
How genetic testing ensures that patients start warfarin therapy at their personal-best doses.
What HIT means to healthcare professionals
When it comes to health information technology (HIT), every nurses has a stake in—and a piece of—the action. Let’s figure out how to make HIT work for, not against, us.
What Works: Improving influenza vaccination compliance in an academic medical center
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all healthcare workers receive the influenza vaccine. Here is how one medical center is working to meet that goal.
What you need to know about electronic documentation
Electronic health records (EHRs) are here to stay. Beginning January 1, 2014, all public and private healthcare providers were required…
Whooping cough makes an unwanted comeback
Have you ever heard a child with pertussis (whooping cough)? Chances are, thanks to decades of pertussis vaccines, you haven’t.…
