ABSTRACT
The aim of this paper is to report the results of a cross-national study that evaluated a range of simulation sessions using an observation schedule developed from evidence-based quality indicators. Observational data were collected from 17 simulation sessions conducted for undergraduate nursing students at three universities in Australia and the United Kingdom. The observation schedule contained 27 questions that rated simulation quality. Data were collected by direct observation and from video recordings of the simulation sessions. Results indicated that the highest quality scores were for provision of learning objectives prior to the simulation session (90%) and debriefing (72%). Student preparatiosn and orientation (67%) and perceived realism and fidelity (67%) were scored lower than other components of the simulation sessions. This observational study proved to be an effective strategy to identify areas of strength and those needing further development to improve simulation sessions.
Subject(s)
Clinical Competence , High Fidelity Simulation Training , Patient Simulation , Quality Indicators, Health Care , Students, Nursing , Australia , Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate , Humans , Learning , United KingdomABSTRACT
This article describes the clinical presentation and associated electrocardiogram recordings in patients with electrolyte disturbances, particularly serum potassium disturbances.
Subject(s)
Arrhythmias, Cardiac , Electrocardiography/methods , Hyperkalemia , Hypokalemia , Action Potentials , Adult , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/diagnosis , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/etiology , Electrocardiography/nursing , Emergency Nursing/methods , Female , Humans , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Hyperkalemia/complications , Hyperkalemia/diagnosis , Hypokalemia/complications , Hypokalemia/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Muscle Weakness/etiology , Nursing Assessment/methodsABSTRACT
Nurse-initiated thrombolysis has become established in some trusts for patients presenting to the accident and emergency department or coronary care unit with an acute myocardial infarction. A limited approach to the exploration of this multidimensional expansion in nursing practice is noted in the literature. The aims of this study were to explore the experiential dimensions of nurses who have initiated thrombolysis, if nurses perceive themselves prepared for the role, and whether they consider role expansion a positive or negative experience. A qualitative approach was used. The sample included 12 nurses organizationally sanctioned to autonomously administer a thrombolytic agent, who completed a self-administered, predominantly open-ended questionnaire. Data were analysed using the method described by Giorgi (1997). Two major themes emerged: 'perceived pressure to deliver best practice' and 'developing patient care within a holistic framework', these themes are discussed and underpinned with supporting narratives. Nurses initiating thrombolysis have a desire to engage with delivery of a treatment proven to have a positive impact on individual patient outcomes; they express an overwhelming desire 'to do good' for their patient. Despite struggling with the possibility of adverse patient outcomes, all the nurses felt that their experiences overall were positive and all supported this with examples of practice.
Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy , Nursing Staff, Hospital , Thrombolytic Therapy/nursing , England , Holistic Nursing , Humans , Myocardial Infarction/nursing , Nurse's Role , Professional Autonomy , Quality of Health CareABSTRACT
This article describes the anatomy and physiology of the pericardium and the signs and symptoms of acute pericarditis, pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. It illustrates the likely electrocardiogram findings in each of these conditions and discusses how the results, combined with patient history and physical examination, can help emergency nurses make accurate diagnoses.
Subject(s)
Cardiac Tamponade/diagnosis , Electrocardiography , Emergency Nursing/methods , Nursing Assessment/methods , Pericardial Effusion/diagnosis , Pericarditis/diagnosis , Acute Disease , Adult , Cardiac Tamponade/etiology , Cardiac Tamponade/nursing , Causality , Diagnosis, Differential , Electrocardiography/nursing , Emergency Treatment/methods , Emergency Treatment/nursing , Female , Humans , Male , Medical History Taking , Middle Aged , Pericardial Effusion/etiology , Pericardial Effusion/nursing , Pericarditis/etiology , Pericarditis/nursing , Physical Examination/nursingABSTRACT
--This paper explores some of the pertinent ethical principles involved in gaining consent in thrombolysis, relevant to both nurses and paramedics. --It describes ethical concerns regarding this practice. --Two key themes that have been explored are around the issue of autonomy and paternalism. --With nurse-initiated thrombolysis gaining momentum, an awareness of key ethical dimensions is fundamental.
