AJN’s November issue is now available on our Web site. Here’s a selection of what not to miss.
Palliative care versus hospice. For many seriously ill, hospitalized older adults, early implementation of palliative care is critical. These patients often require medically and ethically complex treatment decisions. This month’s original research article, “Staff Nurses’ Perceptions Regarding Palliative Care for Hospitalized Older Adults,” found that staff nurses often confuse palliative and hospice care, a fact that suggests a need for increased understanding and knowledge in this area. This CE feature offers 2.5 CE credits to those who take the test that follows the article.
Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have profoundly negative effects on quality of life and can negatively affect relationships with family and caretakers. This issue’s other CE feature, “Mild Traumatic Brain Injury,” reviews the most commonly reported signs and symptoms of mild TBI, explores the condition’s effects on both patient and family, and provides direction for developing nursing interventions that promote patient and family adjustment. Earn 2 CE credits by taking the test that follows the article. To further explore the topic, listen to a podcast interview with the author (this and other podcasts are accessible via the Behind the Article page on our Web site or, in our iPad app, by tapping the icon on the first page of the article).
Medication safety. While preparing medications in complex health care environments, nurses are frequently distracted or interrupted, which can lead to medication errors. “Implementing Evidence-Based Medication Safety Interventions on a Progressive Care Unit,” an article in our Cultivating Quality column, describes how nursing staff at one facility implemented five medication safety interventions designed to decrease distractions and interruptions during medication preparation.
Ethical Issues. Military nurses are not only legally bound to follow orders—they are also expected to use good judgment in assessing them. “Ethical Issues for Nurses in Force-Feeding Guantanamo Bay Detainees” discusses the ethical quandary nurses face when asked to carry out orders that conflict with their values. Don’t miss the podcast interview with the author.
Things left undone. See also the latest installment in our Legal Clinic series: “Lessons Learned from Litigation: The Nurse’s Duty to Protect.” Drawing upon an actual case in which a postoperative patient was subjected to sexual assault by a physician, the author makes the point that nurses can be named in a lawsuit not only for their actions—but for their inaction as well.
To see the full table of contents and what else AJN has to offer this month, visit our Web site.
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