ABSTRACT
Frostbite, a preventable cold-weather injury, occurs when the skin temperature cools to below 0°C with the formation of extracellular ice crystals. On rewarming, an inflammatory response develops, contributing to ischemia and tissue loss. The severity of injury depends on the temperature, duration of exposure, and amount and depth of frozen tissue. Environmental, individual, behavioral, and physiologic factors increase susceptibility to cold. Rapid rewarming and watchful waiting remains the mainstay of treatment. Prevention can be accomplished through increasing public awareness of the adverse effects of cold exposure, and recognizing and mitigating the risks associated with the development of frostbite.
Subject(s)
Critical Care/methods , Frostbite/therapy , Cold Temperature/adverse effects , Frostbite/classification , Frostbite/etiology , Humans , Rewarming , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Evidence-based practice requires nurses to integrate research findings into patient care. The lack of skill and confidence in effective literature appraisal remains a barrier for many nurses. The author describes a self-efficacy-based pilot project designed to enhance nurses' skill and confidence, thus increasing their ability and willingness to critically evaluate research findings. After the intervention, nurses were better prepared to critically appraise the literature and, through enhanced readiness, were more inclined to make evidence-based practice a clinical reality. This approach may be beneficial to staff development educators to develop and enhance an evidence-based practice culture.
