ABSTRACT
After a survey revealed practice gaps in central venous catheter care, one organization was challenged to identify a novel approach to educate nurses. Through a search for evidence, a project workgroup discovered an existing but beneficial teaching method, using a mobile cart to deliver meaningful education at the point of care. Successful outcomes and sustained practice change were realized.
Subject(s)
Catheterization, Central Venous/nursing , Clinical Competence , Inservice Training/methods , Nursing Staff, Hospital/education , Teaching Materials , Catheter-Related Infections/prevention & control , Catheterization, Central Venous/instrumentation , HumansABSTRACT
Chronic anemia develops over a course of weeks to months and is usually mild to moderate in nature. It is important to understand the etiology of the reduced number of circulating red blood cells to treat the anemia appropriately. Diagnosis is dependent on patient history and laboratory findings, such as complete blood counts, iron studies, a peripheral smear, and occasionally, a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment modalities frequently administered by infusion therapy nurses include treatment of the underlying chronic disease, replacement of deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, folate, or erythropoietin), or transfusion of red blood cells. Infusion therapy nurses play a vital role in the assessment and delivery of medication therapy to patients with chronic anemia.
