Food allergies: Updates for nurses.

ABSTRACT: Food allergies are on the rise; the incidence and types of foods implicated have increased worldwide. While peanut allergies are the most well-known, allergies exist to almost all types of foods. This article discusses various types of food allergies along with the most recent prevention and treatment strategies.

Basics of the 12-lead ECG: Part 2.

ABSTRACT: A 12-lead ECG is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that detects and records cardiac electrical activity and can identify cardiac pathology. This article discusses select ECG abnormalities including myocardial infarction, bundle-branch blocks, and heart blocks. This is part 2 of a two-part series. Part 1 was published in the November 2023 issue of Nursing2023.

Basics of the 12-lead ECG.

ABSTRACT: A 12-lead ECG is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that detects and records cardiac electrical activity and can identify cardiac pathology. This article discusses the electrical conduction system of the heart, the anatomy of an ECG complex, ECG lead views, and an overview of a systematic method of ECG interpretation.

Perioperative pharmacology: a focus on aminoglycosides.

Aminoglycosides are used to treat aerobic gram-negative infections and can be administered with other antibiotics to treat resistant gram-positive infections. Aminoglycosides are most often administered topically or parenterally. During the surgical period, surgeons may use aminoglycosides to irrigate wounds or may apply them directly to surgical incisions. Because aminoglycosides are excreted almost exclusively via the renal system, health care providers must carefully consider the patient's renal function before selecting these medications for treatment. Aminoglycosides can produce several significant adverse effects, including nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Perioperative nurses should familiarize themselves with aminoglycosides, particularly focusing on dosage, monitoring requirements, and effects in special populations.