British journal of community nursing
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Chronic non-cancer pain remains under-treated. Five years ago it was highlighted that more research was needed into the safety and efficacy of NSAIDs and opioid drugs in older people (Cowan, 2002). ⋯ While more research is still needed to inform prescribing for older people, it is also apparent that we still need long-term studies of commonly used pain medications for the whole spectrum of age groups. Data derived from such studies would inform nurse prescribing.
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Undernutrition - of both macronutrients and micronutrients - is still a surprisingly common problem among older people in the UK. There is a variety of nutritional supplements that community nurses need to be aware of in managing their patients' nutritional requirements. ⋯ Some of the negative consequences of malnutrition of the older adult are discussed, as are the NICE guidelines for nutrition. Factors affecting dietary intake in older people are considered.
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Br J Community Nurs · Nov 2006
ReviewThe use of topical diclofenac for pain in osteoarthritis of the knee: a review.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common complaint that affects millions of people worldwide. As there is no cure for OA, drug treatment is the main form of management. This can be achieved through the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs such as the NSAID diclofenac sodium. ⋯ The use of a topical formulation of diclofenac sodium aims to reduce this problem. Evidence from four randomized controlled trails of the efficacy and safety of topical diclofenac sodium as a method of pain relief for the treatment of OA of the knee is presented and discussed. Findings imply that topical diclofenac sodium is an efficacious and safe method of pain control in patients with OA of the knee.
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Br J Community Nurs · Oct 2006
ReviewAssessment of lymphoedema of the lower limbs by the community nurse.
Community nurses are increasingly at the frontline in supporting patients in the management of long-term conditions. They are therefore likely to be involved in identifying and providing care for people who are affected by lymphoedema. ⋯ Aspects of the nursing assessment of lymphoedema include taking a detailed history and conducting a comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessment of the impact of this condition. The assessment is multifaceted and will often require intervention from other members of the multidisciplinary team.