Paediatric nursing
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Venepuncture is one of the most commonly performed clinical procedures carried out on young children. Evidence indicates inconsistency in the use of pain management strategies during these procedures. A survey method was used to explore nurses' views on the experience of pain by infants and toddlers and the pain management techniques they use. ⋯ These children's nurses believe that infants and toddlers feel more pain and display more distress than older children. Respondents reported that pharmacological preparations were not generally used on infants prior to venous cannulation; distraction and parental presence during these procedures were highlighted. Nurses should ensure infants and toddlers receive appropriate pain management prior to and during venepuncture and venous cannulation.
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In most western societies the death of a child is a rare occurrence. When it does occur, it typically takes place after a period of intensive and often prolonged treatment. ⋯ This paper highlights work currently underway to develop an integrated care pathway for the care of the dying child based on the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP). The aim of this work is to facilitate the delivery and recording of optimum care for all dying children and their families.
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In spite of its benefits, day or minor surgery is not without complications; pain is a significant issue for someatients (Kotiniemi et al 1997, Grenier et al 1998). Having witnessed considerable variation in the discharge advice given to parents about pain control we were prompted to discover what evidence there is to suggest 4 hat parents can effectively manage their child's postoperative pain at home following day or minor surgery. In this artide cle review the evidence and describe how review findings were used to inform practice.
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High levels of noise in the hospital environment can have an impact on patients and staff increasing both recovery time and stress respectively. When our seven-bedded paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is full, noise levels seem to increase significantly. ⋯ Staff conversation was responsible for most of the noise produced; medical equipment, patient interventions, telephones, doorbell and the air shoot system were also responsible for causing high levels of noise. More can be done to reduce noise and its effects on patients and staff.
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Parents of children dischared from the paediatric emergency assessment unit of a large regional children's unit were surveyed to discover their perceptions of the care experience and post discharge support. Data from 40 parents revealed that the family journey through the unit was generally positive, although not without problems. ⋯ However, nearly a third of families reported they were not shown the facilities of the unit and just under half mentioned lack of privacy as a concern. An action plan to address these issues has been subsequently implemented and will be evaluated periodically.