Journal of clinical nursing
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It has been estimated that between 12.5% and 38% of conscious patients admitted to critical care settings experience Intensive Care Unit psychosis, a condition which seems to resolve upon transfer to the ward. This phenomenon was traditionally recognized when the patient outwardly exhibited abnormal behaviours and signs in the form of confusion, delirium, anxiety, depression, delusions and audiovisual hallucinations, yet it has been argued that due to the illness of the patient and their suppressed ability to communicate, such overt displays of unusual behaviour are the tip of the iceberg. In recognizing this phenomenon, it is felt that a relationship exists between Intensive Care Unit Psychosis, the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, and the environment in which nurses' interactions with their clients occur. This paper will explore the interaction between these three elements while considering the implications for contemporary nursing practice.
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This paper explores the proposition that nursing practice draws upon several different ways of knowing. It highlights difficulties often faced by practising nurses in defining what they do and hence what it is that constitutes nursing practice. ⋯ The types of knowledge required to enhance nursing practice are discussed, focusing upon future opportunities and innovations in the generation of knowledge for nursing. Finally, recommendations are made regarding the way forward for nurses endeavouring to communicate the complexities of nursing practice.
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The introduction of telephone triage in many accident and emergency (A&E) departments is seen as a way to give clients information immediately on demand, to assess and prioritize the need for treatment and to direct the client to the most appropriate service available. This article aims to examine the medico-legal aspects of telephone triage and the nurse's responsibility to the caller and themselves. It will involve looking at triage as a nursing function and how the nurse may minimize the threat of liability by beginning to understand the legal implications of giving advice by telephone. The article will also discuss the use of detailed documentation and communication skills and will aim to show how important these are in the protection of nurses in a court of law.
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Chest drains are routinely inserted during thoracic surgery and to conservatively manage spontaneous pneumothorax. An extensive search of the literature revealed only a small number of highly prescriptive articles to advise the nurse on the specific care needs of this patient group. ⋯ Most of the patients also experienced short-lasting but intense pain when the chest drain was removed. Patients appeared ill-prepared for their experiences despite opportunities to obtain verbal and written information from staff.
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Review
The experience of dementia: a review of the literature and implications for nursing practice.
This paper explores the early experience of dementia when the veil of uncertainty that surrounds the diagnosis of this condition is lifted. Consideration will also be given to the impact of dementia on carers and the service demands that are created. In the UK alone there are estimated to be 636,000 people living with dementia, with this figure rising to just under 900,000 by the year 2021. ⋯ Current services and interventions focus predominantly on the later stages of dementia, when a meaningful perspective of the person with dementia is difficult to obtain. Nursing has a relatively long history of caring for people with dementia and their family carers. The paper will also consider the contribution of nursing and nursing research to the field and explore additional avenues for service intervention and education.