Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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Carotid blowout syndrome is a rare but fatal complication often witnessed secondary to treating patients with head and neck cancer. It occurs when damage and necrosis lead to the carotid artery wall rupture. The symptoms encountered in these patients range from asymptomatic to cardiac arrest. Here, we present 5 cases of carotid blowout syndrome in the emergency department. ⋯ The approach to the carotid blowout syndrome patient includes complex steps that proceed in a multidisciplinary manner, starting from triage until discharge. Emergency nurses play crucial roles at every stage. They should be aware of carotid blowout syndrome when evaluating patients with head and neck cancer presenting with bleeding. When treating these patients, emergency nurses should be ready for airway interventions, bleeding control, and massive transfusion protocol. In this context, the multifaceted approaches made by nurses contribute significantly to carotid blowout syndrome management in the emergency department.
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Opioid-related events continue to claim lives in the United States at alarming rates. Naloxone-dispensing rates fall dramatically short of national expectations. Emergency registered nurses are uniquely poised to connect at-risk patients with naloxone resources. This study sought to (1) describe the emergency registered nurses' willingness to provide naloxone resources and (2) explore variables that may influence the nurse's willingness to provide resources. ⋯ In this representative sample, emergency nurses are willing to provide naloxone resources; furthermore, results indicate that higher knowledge, desire, and responsibility scores increase the nurse's willingness to provide naloxone resources; with education and clear expectations, emergency nurses may be able to improve the connection of patients at risk of opioid overdose with naloxone, a potentially lifesaving connection.