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Biomedical subjects

E Purssell

Publications and source records attributed to E Purssell.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

The use of antipyretic medications in the prevention of febrile convulsions in children.

Febrile convulsions are a relatively common outcome in paediatric febrile illness, although it is not known why some children suffer these. Antipyretic medications may form the basis for some treatment regimens, although they are not recommended in published guidelines. There is little evidence that the prophylactic use of antipyretics has any effect in reducing the incidence of febrile convulsions. Consequently, educational interventions aimed at reducing parental fear and helping them to care for their children during febrile illnesses may be more efficacious.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic↗
PubMed2000

Physical treatment of fever.

Fever is a common symptom of childhood illness, and much time and effort is spent in the pursuit of reducing high temperature. Although antipyretic drugs are the main form of treatment, this report considers the part that physical treatments might play in reducing the temperature of febrile children. Such treatments include tepid sponging, removing clothing, and cooling the environment. Of these treatments, tepid sponging has been studied most extensively, as an addition to paracetamol, but seems to offer little advantage over paracetamol alone. It is likely that other methods might be equally ineffective because they all rely on similar methods of heat loss.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1998

The diagnosis, transmission and prevention of HIV-1 in the infant under 18 months of age: implications for nursing practice.

Vertical transmission of HIV from mother-to-child is a significant problem around the world. This paper examines the main issues that confront those caring for pregnant women who may transmit HIV-1 to their babies with reference to the impact upon clinical practice. Nursing practice should accommodate research from a number of disciplines including medical and scientific researchers. A number of risk factors for vertical transmission have been identified, including immunological status of the mother, premature birth, method of delivery and breast feeding. The use of prophylactic zidovudine has also been shown to reduce the rate of transmission of the virus, although it is not clear at what point in pregnancy and delivery it exerts this protection. Although this paper considers recent advances in the prevention of vertical transmission, this is a rapidly developing area and readers are provided with Internet addresses where the most up to date information may be found.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Preventing nosocomial infection in paediatric wards.

Nosocomial infection is potentially a major problem in paediatric wards. However, there are methodological difficulties which hinder researchers in identifying the true extent of nosocomial infection. Respiratory infections pose the greatest challenge, with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being particularly problematic. However, RSV can be contained by strict implementation of isolation procedures. Other major pathogens such as enteric bacteria and viruses can similarly be controlled through vigorous attention to hand-washing and isolation. Health-care staff are implicated in the nosocomial spread of many other infectious agents, and should pay particular care to personal practice.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Telling children about their impending death.

Although some parents and health care staff believe that knowledge of impending death should be withheld from children to protect them, seriously ill children usually have an awareness of death. Denial of this by parents and staff may increase the child's stress. Nurses must address the question: asked by Rimmer (1993): 'To whom does the information of the diagnosis belong?'

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A common ailment.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Child↗