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Paediatric nursing and midwifery
News, practice and clinical research for paediatric nurses and midwives
Latest news for paediatric nurses
Young black women vulnerable to self-harm
Young black women in the UK are significantly more likely to self harm than people from other ethnic groups, a study has found.
Bowel disease linked to low bone density
Low bone mineral density is a common condition in children and teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease, according to a new study.
Teenage headaches linked to lifestyle
Treatment for teenagers who regularly have headaches and migraines should focus on healthy eating, quitting smoking and doing regular exercise, an expert has said.
Child obesity linked to skipping breakfast
Children who skip breakfast are more likely to be obese and inactive, UK research has found.
Shortage of allergy specialists puts children at risk of misdiagnosis
Children suffering from food allergies are at risk of misdiagnosis due to a shortage of trained experts within the NHS, the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) has claimed.
Case studies
Appendicitis presenting as gastroenteritis: the importance of making a correct diagnosis
It is vital to be aware of the atypical presentations of appendicitis in children. This case study demonstrates how delayed diagnosis can result in serious illness
Innovations
Ensuring reusable equipment meets patients’ needs and infection prevention guidelines
Commode spillages can contaminate the hospital environment and compromise patient dignity. A team had equipment designs modified to address these issues
Practice comment
Moving to an all graduate profession is a necessity
Controversy continues to rage over nursing as a graduate entry profession, but this move is a necessity to deliver healthcare in the 21st century, says Sue Bernhauser
Behind the headlines
Asthma paracetamol claims unfounded
“Paracetamol doubles asthma risk for teenagers,” reported the Daily Mail.
Maternal affection and adult stress
“Maternal love helps you deal better with stress and anxiety later in life,” according to the Daily Mail.
Radiotherapy and birth risks
Women who receive radiotherapy for childhood cancers have increased risk of their pregnancies resulting in stillbirth, BBC News has reported.
Resources
Children’s medicines information leaflets launched
The leaflets, on 25 commonly used medicines, aim to provide appropriate and accurate information about dosages, side-effects and general advice for those administering medicines to infants, children and young people. Topics cover medicines for pain and epilepsy.
Going-home pack for parents of premature babies
Premature baby charity Bliss has launched a going-home pack for parents of sick and premature babies.
Join the debate
Analysis
More nurses equals better care
A week after a healthcare watchdog identified staffing shortages as a key reason for failings at an acute trust, Nursing Times has obtained new evidence confirming a direct correlation between patient outcomes and nursing workforce numbers. Steve Ford investigates
Nursing practice, clinical research
Appendicitis presenting as gastroenteritis: the importance of making a correct diagnosis
It is vital to be aware of the atypical presentations of appendicitis in children. This case study demonstrates how delayed diagnosis can result in serious illness
After death 1: caring for bereaved relatives and being aware of cultural differences
Nurses are ideally placed to perform last offices for patients who are deceased and care for their bereaved relatives. Cultural awareness and sensitivity is vital
Embracing the opportunity to make sustainable improvements to nutritional care in all settings
Undernourishment has a wide range of effects on health. The Health and Social Care Act means patients must be protected from the risks of inadequate nutrition
Ensuring reusable equipment meets patients’ needs and infection prevention guidelines
Commode spillages can contaminate the hospital environment and compromise patient dignity. A team had equipment designs modified to address these issues
NICE provides a consistent and coordinated approach to managing childhood constipation
Childhood idiopathic constipation can cause anxiety, despair and frustration for children and parents. New guidance offers best practice recommendations
Practice questions
Does giving paracetamol to lower raised temperature interfere with the body's natural defence response to infection?
Nursing practice often involves procedures or management about which there is debate or uncertainty. In Practice Questions we ask experts to determine how nurses should approach these
