Technology / Equipment
“Metal-on-metal” hip implant concerns on the rise
2009 H1N1 Flu – Situation Update (11.09.09)
2009 H1N1 Flu: Situation Update (10.14.09)
2009 H1N1 Flu: Situation Update (10.23.2009)
2009 Pharmaceutical Grow
2009: H1N1 Flu: Situation Update (10.16.09)
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
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
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
Banner Simulation Medical Center: Using simulation to set up new nurses for success
Bar coding effective for reducing med errors
Beasts, gods and FaceTime: The anguish of visitor limitations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Best practices for seasonal influenza immunization
Blood transfusions: How technology can improve patient safety
Testing a prototype identification system leads to 100% acuracy.
Boston Scientific recall under investigation
Boston Scientific recalls implantable cardioverter defibrillators
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
CDC recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month
CDC releases recommendations related to doxycycline shortages
Ceiling lifts and safe patient handling and mobility programs
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
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
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
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
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
Drug shortages unprecedented says ISMP
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
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
Emerging markets make gains in medical technology innovation
Enclosure bed: A tool for calming agitated patients
Enhancing nursing curriculum with an injection of technology
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
Environment, health, & safey
Help reduce the toll of seasonal influenza by receiving, administering, teaching about, or encouraging seasonal influenza vaccination.
Fall prevention kit reduces falls
FDA Advises to stop using Rotarix
FDA allows marketing of ‘next generation’ gene sequencing devices
FDA allows marketing of device to help assess children and teens for ADHD
FDA allows marketing of first device to prevent migraine headaches
FDA allows marketing of first system to repair failed or problematic aortic endografts
FDA allows marketing of military dressing
FDA announces agreement in principle on medical device user fees
FDA announces guidelines for polymyxin, vecuronium recall
FDA announces import of injectable drugs used in TPN to ease shortage
FDA approves Afrezza
FDA approves Boostrix for older people
FDA approves Botox for treatment of overactive bladder
FDA approves Brilinta for ACSs
FDA approves contrast agent for CNS MRI scans
FDA approves Corifact for congenital Factor XIII deficiency
FDA approves Diclegis for pregnant women who have nausea and vomiting
FDA approves DNA test to help manage CMV infection in organ transplant patients
FDA approves drug for rare cholesterol disorder
FDA approves drug for scorpion sting
FDA approves drug for treating rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
FDA approves drug to reduce risk of preterm birth
FDA approves Exjade to treat excess iron in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia
FDA approves expanded use of Prevnar vaccine
FDA approves extended-release, single-entity hydrocodone product
FDA approves first drug-eluting stent for treating PAD
FDA approves first flu vaccine using new manufacturing technique
FDA approves first generic version of Lipitor
FDA approves first generic versions of Cymbalta
FDA approves first implantable wireless device with remote monitoring to measure PAP in certain heart failure patients
FDA approves first quadrivalent vaccine to prevent seasonal influenza
FDA approves first retinal implant for adults with advanced retinitis pigmentosa
FDA approves Gardasil for prevention of anal cancer
FDA approves Gazyva for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
FDA approves gel to stop blood flow during blood vessel surgery
FDA approves head lice treatment
FDA approves Imbruvica to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia
FDA approves Kcentra for urgent reversal of anticoagulation in adults
FDA approves Lucentis for diabetic macular edema
FDA approves marketing of postnatal test for developmental disabilities
FDA approves Marqibo for rare type of leukemia
FDA approves medical device for epilepsy
FDA approves new combination vaccine for children
FDA approves new daily treatment for RLS
FDA approves new device for asthma
FDA approves new device for non-open surgical treatment of brain aneurysms
FDA approves new diabetes drug
FDA approves new drug for COPD
FDA approves new drug for irritable bowel syndrome and constipation
FDA approves new drug for lupus
FDA approves new drug for osteoporosis
FDA approves new drug for schizophrenia
FDA approves new drug for severe drooling
FDA approves new drug treatments for type 2 diabetes
FDA approves new implantable hearing device
FDA approves new implanted hearing system
FDA approves new indication for imaging agent
FDA approves new MRI agent
FDA approves new MS drug
FDA approves new silicone breast implant
FDA approves new stent for treatment of pseudocysts of the pancreas
FDA approves new treatment for genetic coagulation disorder
FDA approves new treatment for metastatic melanoma
FDA approves Omontys for anemia in dialysis patients
FDA approves Osphena for postmenopausal women with dyspareunia
FDA approves Perjeta for late-stage breast cancer
FDA approves Pomalyst for advanced multiple myeloma
FDA approves seasonal flu vaccine made using novel technology
FDA approves Simponi for ulcerative colitis
FDA approves Synribo for chronic myelogenous leukemia
FDA approves test to distinguish between MRSA and MSSA
FDA approves treatment for hereditary angioedema
FDA approves vaccine to prevent meningitis in infants, toddlers
FDA approves Xeljanz for rheumatoid arthritis
FDA clears STERIS system
FDA drops certain restrictive requirements for Nplate and Promacta
FDA expands access to artificial heart valve to inoperable patients
FDA expands Zytiga’s use for late-stage breast cancer
FDA halts Avandia trial enrollment
FDA issue draft guidance on making opioids harder to abuse
FDA issues final guidance for mobile medical apps
FDA issues safety communication for HeartStart AEDs
FDA looks to improve medical device review process
FDA permits marketing of dengue fever test
FDA permits marketing of device to seal lung punctures
FDA permits marking of hand-held scanner for detecting intracranial hematomas
FDA proposes lower risk classification for external pacemakers
FDA proposes new policy for some devices
FDA recommends healthcare facilities take steps to protect against medical cyberattack
FDA releases draft guideline related to nanotechnology
FDA seeks advice on metal-on-metal hip replacements
FDA warns against Evital
FDA warns of potential risk of liver injury in ADPKD patients taking Samsca
FDA warns of risk of surgical mesh used to repair pelvic organ prolapse
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
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
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
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
HbA1c poor way to identify children with diabetes
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 integrated information systems will change health care
Integrated and interoperable information systems mean patient data entered by one healthcare provider can be shared by provciders across the entire care continuum.
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.
Improving how we use and respond to clinical alarms
Nuisance alarms, false alarms, and hard-to-identify alarms can imperil patient safety. The author describes ways to manage clinical alarms more efficiently.
Inhaled therapies for cystic fibrosis: Current and future trends
Several therapies are available to help patients with this progressive disease who develop airway infections.
Innovations in patient-monitoring systems
With Bluetooth devices, system interfaces, and other high-tech advances, clinicians can make more accurate and timely treatment decisions.
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
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
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
New cardiac imaging technique holds promise
New colorectal screening guidelines
New High-Dose Influenza Vaccine for Seniors
New innovative device for monitoring heart failure shows promise
New lupus drug one step closer to approval
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
New needle-free jet injection device offers improvement over similar 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
New report on health information exchange released
New report on how mobile devices are transforming health care
Nicotine-free inhaler helps stop smoking
NIH plans new center for promoting drug development
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
OTC asthma inhalers with CFCs will not be available after 2011
Our Readers Respond
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
Pharmacology review: Drugs that alter blood coagulation
Brush up on your knowledge of these potentially life-saving drugs.
Placebos without deception effective for IBS
Potential new treatment for SRI-resistant patients with depression
Prealbumin testing for early malnutrition detection
Malnutrition is surprisingly common in hospital patients-but detecting it can be easy when prealbumin levels are measured
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
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
Quiz Time
Quiz Time
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
Recall of metoclopramide and ondansetron injections
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
Seasonal flu, the holidays, and you: An update on the 2011-12 flu season
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
Single sigmoidoscopy screen reduces colorectal cancers
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
Stenvig appointed to National Vaccine Advisory Committee
Stroke and the Rise of Telehealth – What Nurses Need To Know
Study finds LTRA as effective as inhaled steroids in first-line asthma management
Study finds pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccine can be given at same time
Study: Flu shots reduce risk of MI in middle-aged people with narrowed arteries
Study: Flu vaccine prevented millions of illnesses in past 6 years
Study: MRI may help diagnose bipolar disorder
Study: Natural compound may block effects of methamphetamine
Study: Radiation therapy skin reactions may be preventable
Study: Smartphone app valid cognitive dysfunction screening
Take Note – April 2007
A monthly round-up of clinical, practice, and career news, updates, and alerts.
Take Note – August 2007
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
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
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
Take Note – September 2008
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
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
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
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved two drugs
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)
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
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
Vaccines, antivirals are crucial aspects of influenza strategy
To aid ongoing safety surveillance for the H1N1 vaccine, be sure to report patients’ postvaccination events.
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
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
Whooping cough makes an unwanted comeback
Why continuous pulse oximetry monitoring is a must in critical care
Continuous pulse oximetry monitoring immediately alerts clinicians to hypoxemia in unstable critically ill patients, so they can intervene before tissue hyposia sets in.