ABSTRACT
This article discusses the administration of acute oxygen therapy in the community setting, and emphasises the importance of achieving target blood oxygen saturation ranges for each patient. Respiratory assessment and monitoring, including blood gas analysis, and the role of pulse oximetry when delivering oxygen therapy are outlined. Nurses working in the community are responsible for conducting respiratory assessments, specifically in relation to triage and decisions concerning whether or not to treat patients at home or transfer them to hospital. It is hoped that the article will provide nurses with the knowledge to improve their practice in relation to oxygen therapy.
Subject(s)
Oxygen Inhalation Therapy , Respiratory Tract Diseases/therapy , Humans , Oximetry , Respiratory Tract Diseases/physiopathology , United KingdomABSTRACT
This article discusses the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care, in the light of recent updates to national guidelines. It describes the use of spirometry, differential diagnosis, treatment options such as pharmacological management, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and the management of exacerbations.
Subject(s)
Primary Health Care/methods , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/diagnosis , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/therapy , Algorithms , Decision Trees , Diagnosis, Differential , Dyspnea/classification , Dyspnea/etiology , Early Diagnosis , Forced Expiratory Volume , Humans , Mass Screening , Nursing Assessment , Oxygen Inhalation Therapy , Patient Admission , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Primary Health Care/standards , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/complications , Severity of Illness Index , Spirometry , TriageABSTRACT
Observation is a term that describes several methodological techniques, and can be used to collect qualitative or quantitative data. Non-verbal behaviour and tactile skills are particularly amenable to observation. The presence of an observer may affect the behaviour of subjects. Data collection may be influenced by the observers' expectations and motives.
Subject(s)
Data Collection/methods , Nursing Methodology Research/methods , Observation/methods , Humans , Kinesics , Nursing AssessmentABSTRACT
Homeless families are an increasing problem in the United States, with children representing 34% of the total homeless population. This retrospective study describes the demographic characteristics and health care problems and concerns of sheltered homeless children who used the services of a mobile health van over a 1-year period in a midwestern metropolitan area. The patterns of utilization, medications prescribed, and referrals are also described. Medical records of 175 sheltered homeless children who sought care from a mobile health van were reviewed. Forty-eight percent of the children were female; 52% were male. The majority were under 6 years of age (15% infants, 22% toddlers, 22% preschoolers, 23% school-age children, and 18% adolescents). The major reasons for seeking health care, the primary diagnoses, and treatments are presented. Recommendations for using a mobile van to provide efficient, quality health care for this population are discussed.
