You are currently searching within the context of the global site
Search in local site-
Care of patients undergoing the removal of an indwelling urinary catheter
An indwelling urinary (Foley) catheter may be used in the management of various urological conditions, such as intractable incontinence and urinary retention, or as part of treatment regimens such as chemotherapy. Although some catheters may be required for long-term use, healthcare practitioners should regularly assess whether the device is still necessary and if it can be removed. This is because urinary catheters are a highly invasive intervention and their use is associated with a range of potential complications, including healthcare-associated infection and trauma to the neck of the bladder. This article outlines the procedure for the safe removal of a urinary catheter, including the patient care and monitoring required before, during and after this procedure. It also explains the complications that are associated with catheter removal and how these can be prevented and managed.
-
Respiratory assessment: undertaking a physical examination of the chest in adults
Nurses frequently encounter patients in respiratory distress or with respiratory complications, whether from acute disease or a long-term condition. A physical examination of the chest should be conducted as part of a comprehensive respiratory assessment of the patient, and should follow a systematic approach that includes inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation. Nurses undertaking these hands-on components of respiratory assessments need to have adequate knowledge of the procedures involved, as well as practical skills that need to be practised under supervision. This article outlines how to undertake a physical examination of the chest in adults.
-
Understanding the elements of a holistic wound assessment
Wounds have become a significant public health challenge and consume a large amount of healthcare resources. Wounds can have severe negative effects on patients’ quality of life, causing psychological and social distress, and may lead to significant periods of lost employment, resulting in financial loss. For nurses to manage wounds effectively, they need to be competent in undertaking holistic wound assessments. This article supports nurses’ understanding by providing information on various types of wounds and their differing aetiologies. It also outlines the elements of a wound assessment and discusses some of the challenges that may be encountered during this process.
-
Understanding the basic assessment and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in older women
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are prevalent in older women. These symptoms are often under-reported due to the potentially embarrassing nature of the symptoms and a belief that they are an inevitable consequence of ageing. LUTS such as urinary incontinence have a significant negative effect on people’s quality of life; however, with the appropriate assessment and management, improvements can be achieved. This article reviews the different types of LUTS and their causes, assessment and treatment, focusing on older women. It aims to provide nurses with an understanding of LUTS so that they can identify appropriate interventions.
-
Importance of reflection in revalidation
Reflection is a hallmark of professional practice and an important element of the Nursing and Midwifery Council revalidation process. Following two previous continuing professional development articles, on reflection and professional learning and on reflection and personal learning, this article will aim to explore the specific elements of reflection required for revalidation. This publication should help demystify and support registrants embarking on the process.
-
Cardiac pacing: principles, interventions and patient support
Cardiac pacing is used to treat a variety of heart rhythm irregularities or arrhythmias, most commonly bradyarrhythmia, which is characterised by an abnormally slow heart rate. Temporary and permanent pacemakers work by sending intermittent electric impulses to the heart muscle, stimulating it to contract and ensuring a steady heart rate. This article explains the various temporary and permanent cardiac pacing interventions, describes how pacemakers work, outlines the complications that can arise from their use and details the needs of patients in terms of information, support, monitoring and follow-up.
-
Identifying people with deteriorating mental health using a mental state assessment
Research indicates that approximately one in six people will experience a common mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, while people with severe mental illness commonly experience significant health inequalities. Nurses will come into frequent contact with people experiencing mental health issues in hospitals and in the community. Mental state assessment is a tool that enables nurses to develop an understanding of an individual’s mental health that will be universally recognised across healthcare services. This article provides an outline of the various elements involved in a mental state assessment, so that clinicians such as non-mental health nurses can identify people experiencing deteriorating mental health.
-
Understanding nurses’ responsibilities in promoting equality and diversity
Nurses have a duty to promote the values of equality and diversity during their interactions with patients and their families and carers, as well as peers and colleagues. This article defines the terms equality, diversity and inclusion, and explains the importance of the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998 in protecting people from various types of discrimination. It also outlines nurses’ responsibilities in promoting equality and diversity by treating all patients and colleagues with respect and dignity, providing compassionate leadership, and practising in accordance with the ethical principle of justice. The article encourages and empowers nurses to recognise and challenge discrimination wherever they see it, thereby delivering high-quality care to all patients.
-
Understanding equality and diversity in nursing practice
Equality and diversity are terms that are used frequently in nursing, healthcare and workplace settings. Nurses’ professional standards of practice and behaviour are underpinned by values of equality and diversity. This means that nurses must treat people as individuals, avoid making assumptions about them, recognise diversity and individual choice, and respect and uphold their dignity and human rights. This article explores what equality and diversity mean in nursing practice, the legal framework that underpins these terms, and the inequalities and discrimination that patients and staff may experience in health and social care settings. It discusses the role of organisational culture in supporting nurses to uphold the values of equality and diversity and encourages nurses to reflect on this topic to enhance their practice.
-
Understanding the relevance of human rights in healthcare and nursing practice
While the NHS aims to respect the human rights of every individual, it also has a wider social duty to promote equality in the services it provides. This means that the rights of individual patients are not absolute, because the aim of the NHS is to improve the overall health and well-being of the nation. For example, certain treatments may be withheld from individuals because of the excessive cost to the NHS, or concerns about its clinical effectiveness. This article explains the origins of human rights and their function, and examines the relationship between nursing care and human rights.
