Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSPractice questions
'Education and understanding are so important in this field because blood transfusion is all about patient safety'
We talk to Bev Ward, a nurse for 31 years, with experience as an Enrolled Nurse (Mental Illness), then as a Registered General Nurse, and now as a Transfusion Practitioner for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Does massage help to prevent pressure ulcers?
The simple answer is there is no evidence to suggest massage helps prevent pressure ulcers. In fact, there is limited evidence to suggest it actually causes harm, and several national guideline groups advise against it (Diemel-Peeters et al, 2006, 2005; Dyson, 1978).
What is the evidence for drinking eight cups of fluid a day?
The amount of fluid people need is directed by their level of activity, diet, state of health and climate. Different fluids also have different effects on the body.
A patient has osteoarthritis of the knees but cannot take NSAIDs. How can I provide pain relief?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs are one of the mainstays of pain management for patients with osteoarthritis.
Mrs Smith is dishevelled and dirty. She has declined a bath when offered one. Do I respect her wishes or try to persuade her?
Mrs Smith is entitled to receive compassionate care from nurses. This care should promote health wellbeing and dignity (NMC, 2009).
A patient keeps loosening her compression bandages, so her ulcers are not healing. What can I do?
Poor tolerance to compression bandaging is well documented (Van Hecke et al, 2008, Edwards, 2003).
Unqualified support staff are doing patient observations with minimal training. Do standards exist for this work?
Support workers are well placed to carry out patient observations.
Is it true axillary temperature in adults is 1oC lower than oral and, if so, why?
It is usually said that the normal adult temperature is around 37oC, but in reality there is no single body temperature.
When should a nasal cannula be used to deliver oxygen?
Nasal cannulas are used to deliver oxygen when a low flow, low or medium concentration is required, and the patient is in a stable state.
Should a nebuliser be used routinely to treat an asthma attack?
Nebulised bronchodilator therapy is no longer recommended for most people with asthma (BTS and Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network, 2009).
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What is the correct way to remove a chest drain?
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Should we be using water filled gloves under the heel to prevent pressure ulcers?
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I have been asked to help measure the apex and radial pulse. What are they and why is it necessary to measure both?
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Does giving paracetamol to lower raised temperature interfere with the body's natural defence response to infection?
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Does oxygen need humidification?
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If a wound is infected with anaerobic bacteria, are there specific dressings that should not be used?
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I have heard that ventilations are no longer important in resuscitation – is this true?
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Is it true that best practice for administering IV flushes/boluses is via a Luer lock syringe as opposed to a Luer slip?
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Is BMI an accurate measure of nutritional status in older people?’
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When should staff wear face masks?
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Antibiotics for catheterised patients
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Should lidocaine gel or lubricating gel be used for catheter insertion?
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Dressings to accompany compression bandages
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Reducing pain when giving intramuscular injections
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Blood pressure measurement
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Should a suppository be inserted with the blunt end or the pointed end first, or does it not matter?
