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Selection and management of central venous access devices
Vascular access is an important aspect of patient care and management in all areas of healthcare. Safe, efficient and reliable venous access may require a central venous access device (CVAD), which can be used in primary and secondary care settings. Nurses may assist in device selection and be invol...
Updated: 18 January 2023 -
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Preventing and managing pressure ulcers in patients receiving palliative care
Pressure ulcers are more common in patients being cared for in palliative care settings than in the general population. Patients with life-limiting illnesses are living longer than ever before, and many present with multiple co-morbidities. Palliative care involves improving the patient’s quality of...
Updated: 22 November 2023 -
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Understanding and applying personality types in healthcare communication
Understanding personality types can assist nurses in enhancing their understanding of themselves and their colleagues, which in turn can support effective communication. This article outlines the principles of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – a personality inventory that aims to improve the ...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Introducing mentalization and its role in mental health practice
The theory of mentalization describes the ability of individuals to make sense of their own and others’ behaviour in terms of mental states such as feelings, thoughts, beliefs and intentions. Mentalization is fundamental to people’s ability to manage relationships and emotions. Also, the process of ...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Use of personal protective equipment in nursing practice
A comprehensive understanding of infection prevention and control is essential for nurses when seeking to protect themselves, patients, colleagues and the general public from the transmission of infection. Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, aprons and/or gowns, and eye protection, ...
Updated: 1 November 2023 -
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Biological basis of child health 3: development of the cardiovascular system and congenital heart defects
This article is the third in a series on the biological basis of child health. It outlines how the cardiovascular system develops during gestation and how congenital heart defects (CHDs) may arise in the process. The article details the pathophysiology and treatment of some of the common CHDs, inclu...
Updated: 16 September 2024 -
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Role of the nurse in acute stroke care
The recognition of stroke as a medical emergency, provision of specialist services and advances in treatments have contributed to a decrease in stroke-related mortality, but the incidence and burden of stroke continue to rise. A stroke is a life-threatening and life-limiting event, but prompt identi...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Basic life support for children and young people with a learning or physical disability and an altered body shape
The number of people with complex health needs is increasing and this includes children and young people with a learning or physical disability. People with a learning or physical disability are at an increased risk of developing an altered body shape due to their lack of movement, which typically a...
Updated: 18 January 2023 -
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Responding to people who are experiencing spiritual pain
This article explores the spiritual pain that patients may experience, which is often hidden or overlooked in healthcare settings that tend to focus on managing physical manifestations of pain. As part of their role in responding to patients’ needs, nurses need to be willing to engage with spiritual...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Implementing trauma-informed care in mental health services
It has been recognised that trauma underpins several mental health conditions, and that retraumatisation, in which a person re-experiences a traumatic event, is common in mental health services.This article explores the effects of childhood trauma on adult mental distress, and describes the symptoms...
Updated: 16 November 2023
