Concussion in sport: the importance of accurate and reliable discharge advice.

Concussion in sport is a common presentation in urgent and emergency care settings, so it is essential that nurses have a full understanding of the condition. Most patients who attend an emergency department with concussion are discharged and discharge advice must be well-informed and evidence based. This article outlines the normal anatomy of the brain and the pathophysiology of concussion, and discusses the guidelines on returning to sport following this injury.

Acute coronary syndrome: assessment and management.

Acute coronary syndrome is a serious condition that requires urgent assessment and management. This article outlines the nature of the condition, and discusses its underlying pathophysiology. It discusses three types of acute coronary syndrome: unstable angina, ST elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Research and guidelines are used to guide the reader through approaches to initial nursing assessment and the immediate management of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome.

How to use PRICE treatment for soft tissue injuries.

Rationale and key points This article assists nurses to use the acronym PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation) to guide the treatment of patients with uncomplicated soft tissue injuries to their upper or lower limbs. ¼ Treatment of soft tissue injuries to limbs is important to reduce complications following injury, alleviate pain and ensure normal limb function is restored promptly. ¼ Nurses should have an understanding of the rationale and evidence base supporting PRICE treatment of soft tissue injuries. ¼ Providing accurate information to patients and carers about the management of soft tissue injuries and anticipated recovery time is an important aspect of treatment. ¼ Further research is required to develop best practice in the treatment of soft tissue injuries. Reflective activity 'How to' articles can help you update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: 1. How this article might change your practice when managing patients with soft tissue injuries to upper or lower limbs. 2. Positive elements of your current practice and those that could be enhanced. Subscribers can upload their reflective accounts at: rcni.com/portfolio.

Accurate diagnosis of right ventricular infarction.

Effective treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is dependent on accurate' diagnoses of the site of infarction. Left ventricular myocardial infarction (LVMI) is the most common form of infarction, of which inferior is the most common site. Patients who have experienced inferior infarctions have a better survival rate than those who have experienced AMIs at other sites. Around one quarter of AMIs affect the right ventricle, and the risk of morbidity for patients who have experienced right ventricular myocardial infarctions is greater than that for patients who have experienced LVMIs. Some authors suggest this is because right-sided heart dysfunction is rarely assessed in standard electrocardiography (ECG), and so opportunities for accurate diagnoses are missed. This article describes how non-standard precordial ECG lead placement can increase the likelihood of diagnosis and therefore improve patient outcomes.