Aaohn J
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The WHO has declared that violence is a leading worldwide public health problem with intimate partner violence one of the most common forms of violence against women (2002). Health care providers are frequently among the first to see victims of intimate partner violence and must strive to provide appropriate and effective care to abused women. Violence by intimate partners can be prevented. ⋯ Occupational health nurses can foster a caring and confidential workplace where abused women feel safe to disclose the violence in their lives and trust that the nurse will provide treatment. A safe and healthy workplace, where abused women feel comfortable disclosing intimate partner violence and seeking treatment may also protect coworkers from the stress and violence that may potentially affect them. Occupational health nurses need to add screening for and treatment of intimate partner violence to their current health promotion and prevention activities to benefit all employees.
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1. The two major classifications of stroke are ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes account for 75% of all strokes and result from the complete occlusion of an artery. ⋯ Management of ischemic stroke may include thrombolytic agents (e.g., heparin, warfarin) if the individual is treated within 6 hours after the onset of symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include, computed tomography scan, transesophageal echocardiagraphy, Doppler ultrasonography, and electrocordiography. 4. Occupational health nurses can be actively involved in helping workers modify their risks for stroke, developing and implementing an action plan if an individual is experiencing a stroke, and facilitating the individual's reentry into the worksite after rehabilitation is completed.
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1. The planning and implementation of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) intervention in the workplace necessitates a comprehensive approach to program development. 2. ⋯ Prior to initiating an AED intervention program, appropriate resources should be consulted to examine national, state, and local law provisions and legal factors governing AED use in each specific community. 4. Essential components of an AED intervention program include: the combined cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED use training program; written policies, procedures, and medical directives; a plan for the purchase, maintenance, and location of the AED equipment and supplies; an integrated emergency response plan; and an ongoing quality improvement process.
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1. Providing bereavement support for grieving employees can positively impact their adjustment and productivity. 2. Good bereavement care follows the nursing process approach: assessment, analysis, planning (goal setting), intervention/implementation, and evaluation. ⋯ The occupational health nurse, as clinician and advisor, can provide care to the bereaved individual and guidance to the manager and coworkers about the grief process and how to interact with the grieving employee. 4. Grief work is necessary for healing. The occupational health nurse can play a valuable role in facilitating the work by offering clinical support, a "safe" place for the grieving employee to talk about the death, referrals to the Employee Assistance Program or other professional support, and education about the process.
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Individuals with a history of atopy are at increased risk of becoming latex allergic. Specific food allergies also cross react with latex. ⋯ Education of health care workers, clients, and their families about latex products, latex allergy, and substitutions for latex products needs to be current and ongoing. Development of clear guidelines related to working with health care workers with latex allergies encourages management to consider the seriousness of latex allergy and ways to avoid it.