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Using the STARTER model to talk about sex in mental health nursing practice
People with mental illness are more likely to contract sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses than the general population. They are also at higher risk of becoming victims of domestic or sexual violence and of having an unplanned pregnancy. Despite this, the sexual health of people ...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Enhancing the care of transgender and non-binary patients through effective communication
There is increasing evidence to suggest that transgender (trans) and non-binary people encounter significant societal discrimination, stereotypical and misleading representation in the media, and frequent misgendering. They may also experience several barriers to accessing healthcare, as well as dis...
Updated: 19 January 2023 -
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Managing the effects of cancer and cancer treatments on patients’ nutritional status
Adequate nutrition is a basic requirement of the human body, supporting cell growth and optimal organ function. The nutritional requirements of patients with cancer can increase due to systemic inflammatory responses caused by cancer and cancer treatments. Nurses have an important role in providing ...
Updated: 22 November 2023 -
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Recognising the importance of language in effective pain assessment
Pain is a highly personal experience that can be challenging to define. In addition, evidence has indicated that the assessment of pain by healthcare professionals is often suboptimal and its severity often underestimated. In clinical practice, the use of language can be a significant influencing fa...
Updated: 22 November 2023 -
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Understanding the causes, symptoms and effects of young-onset dementia
Young-onset dementia refers to dementia that develops before the age of 65 years. It can present with a wide variety of symptoms including cognitive, behavioural, neurological and systemic symptoms, which reflects the wide range of possible causes. Young-onset dementia profoundly affects all aspects...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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Management of haemorrhage and haemorrhagic shock
Haemorrhage is defined as the acute loss of blood from the circulating volume, while haemorrhagic shock is characterised by suboptimal perfusion caused by bleeding. Their prompt recognition and management is vital to ensure optimal outcomes. This article discusses the assessment and management of pa...
Updated: 18 January 2023 -
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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 sh...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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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 systemati...
Updated: 22 November 2023 -
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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...
Updated: 16 November 2023 -
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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...
Updated: 22 November 2023
