A 42-year-old man arrives in the ED. He reports not feeling like himself. Three days ago he stepped on a nail, which punctured his foot. He removed the nail and didn’t think he needed medical attention because he received a tetanus booster last year. When the nurse assesses the foot, she finds it tender, cool, and edematous, with erythematous and mottling, which appears to be advancing to the ankle. The nurse notes +2 pulses in both lower extremities with capillary refill <2 seconds.
Acute kidney injury: A quick diagnosis aids recovery
A 35-year-old man arrives at the ED with severe weakness, diarrhea, nausea, hypotension, and tachycardia, which began after he finished a 100-mile race the previous day. Urinalysis indicates the presence of protein, blood, and an elevated specific gravity. The patient’s medications include citalopram for depression and ibuprofen for a recent knee injury. The patient says, “I’ve been taking more ibuprofen than I normally do, and I wish I’d stopped at more drink stations during the race.”
Cancer treatment delays and survival outcomes
Delays in seeking treatment frequently lead to poor health outcomes. Especially with regard to symptoms associated with cancer, early detection and treatment can improve survival rates and quality of life. Several factors can influence delayed treatment. Understanding why patients may delay seeking care can help nurses engage with, educate, and advocate for patients so they can make informed healthcare decisions.
Cannabis and healthcare: Complicated policies and laws
A physician authorizes medical cannabis for an 18-year-old student who lives in a college dorm in a state where cannabis is legal for recreational use by anyone over 21 and also by minors with guardian approval. However, campus policy prohibits the use and storage of cannabis. College health center staff tell the student that his parents will need to store the cannabis and take him off campus to use it. The student’s family struggles to respond as their child ponders the risk of engaging in activities deemed legal in one context but illegal in another.
Women and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Why are new HIV cases still occurring when we have preventive treatment? One reason could be a lack of knowledge and experience…
Empathy in ostomy care
Empathy relies on understanding an experience from another’s perspective. A simulated learning activity such as wearing an ostomy bag for a day,…
Nurse leader rounds plus
Patients’ perceptions of their care may not correlate to the actual quality of care given but rather their beliefs about what they…
Coaching and evaluating new graduate nurses
Ongoing research shows a decline in new graduate nurses’ clinical judgment. Effective mentorship plays a crucial role in ensuring patient safety while…