British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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Models of grief utilised by nurses remain largely descriptive. This article considers a cognitive-behavioural model of grief and applies it to the problems of morbid grief. Two case studies illustrate how the model may be used to guide interventions.
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This article investigates the competency of casualty nurses in counselling overdose patients. Significant differences exist between nurses' competence in counselling an overdose patient as opposed to other patients. Examination of a study raises doubts concerning the casualty nurse's competence in counselling overdose patients. Its implications for theory and practice are outlined.
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Dehydration is a common problem in the elderly and a frequent complication of advanced cancer. Subcutaneous fluid administration is an alternative method of parenteral rehydration that is effective and easy to initiate. This article will describe the indications for its use, the method and guidelines, efficacy, benefits, side effects and the nursing implications of this novel and under-used technique.
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Children's experience of pain is difficult to assess. A number of tools are available that enable children's pain to be measured. If these are used appropriately, practitioners can set measurable goals for pain relief and evaluate their interventions.
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This article describes the basic science involved in the provision of a blood transfusion service. Apart from the life-saving properties of blood transfusion following acute blood loss, much modern surgery could not be contemplated without the availability of safe and compatible blood for transfusion. In addition there are many medical conditions whose therapy depends on blood products.