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Biomedical subjects

L Hadfield-Law

Publications and source records attributed to L Hadfield-Law.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Body piercing: issues for A&E nurses.

There has been a significant increase in the incidence of body piercing in the Western world over the last decade. Although some A&E nurses have piercings of one type or another themselves, many have no experience of it. When confronted with a patient who has a problem associated with a piercing, there can be difficulties. However, even more anxiety seems to arise in emergency situations, when speed is crucial and health care professionals are unsure about how or when to remove jewelery. This piece reviews literature and takes advice from a professional piercer, regarding issues facing A&E nurses and how they can best be approached. Handling trauma, infection and embedded jewelery is described. Specific detail about piercing of the ear, nose, tongue, nipple, navel and genitals is included. Finally the role of the A&E nurse is identified in: when and how to remove jewelery, aspects of health education and raising awareness among staff.

Cosmetic Techniques↗
PubMed2001

Male catheterization.

The insertion of catheters into male emergency patients is fairly common practice and is associated with a worryingly high rate of infection. Everyday pressures within the department, along with the added stress of resuscitation can result in inappropriately trained or skilled staff undertaking this procedure. The issue of gender and whether female nurses should catheterize male patients may also affect this vulnerable group of patients. Acquiring the psychomotor skills of inserting a urethral catheter is only one part of preparation for practice. Emergency nurses must know when and when not to resort to catheterization. Choosing the type and size of catheter requires careful judgment. What will you do if insertion proves difficult? Prevention of infection is of paramount importance and there are an increasing number of evidence-based sources of information, which are crucial to formulating procedures and informing every day practice. In the pressured surroundings of A&E departments, it is easy to ignore the vulnerability of men requiring catheterization, both from a physical and psychological point of view. Making the effort to explain the procedure, listen to questions and concerns and record relevant details in the notes, will take only a few extra moments. There is no doubt that urinary catheterization is not without complications. It is associated with significant morbidity and occasionally, mortality.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Head lice for A & E nurses.

Accident and emergency nurses are in an excellent position to offer skill and advice on the treatment of head lice, from health education to diagnosis and cure to contact tracing. This paper offers guidance on how to detect lice and how to treat infestation. There are a number of treatment options available, including pharmacological and physical treatments. Choosing the most appropriate option can be difficult due to reports of 'Super Nits' resistant to insecticides and lack of data to support the use of alternative methods such as 'wet combing' and aromatherapy treatments. However, nurses do need to be aware of how lice move between people, so they can take an active role in health education and make sure that patients affected by head lice are managed properly.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Scratching the itch: management of scabies in A&E.

Epidemics of scabies seem to occur in 20-25-year cycles. One of the resultant problems is that few A&E nurses practice through more than one epidemic and with each new outbreak of scabies, the latest generation of A&E nurses have to learn how to recognize and manage the disease. This article describes scabies, how to recognize it and the treatment options available. Although uncertainty remains, Permethrin is the first treatment of choice and should be used in the 5% cream form, not the 100% lotion. Crusted Norwegian scabies requires prompt and careful attention along with Specialist advice. The challenge for A&E staff is to recognize scabies, treat it appropriately and to help educate those most at risk.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Presentation skills for nurses: how to prepare more effectively.

Many clinical nurses are changing the way they deliver care for the benefit of their patients. In order to share ideas, knowledge and opinions more widely, nurses need to either speak or write within the public arena. For all nurses, presentation skills are not just useful, they are essential, whether for sharing practice, influencing colleagues or seeking a new job. Such skills can be learnt, building on characteristics most nurses already possess. Effective presentations usually require learning to control nervousness and preparing properly. This article provides a framework for preparation and suggestions for ways to achieve calm and confidence.

Communication↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dealing with scabies.

The challenge for nurses in hospital and community settings is to recognise scabies, deal with it appropriately and to help educate those who are most vulnerable.

Adolescent↗