In the first article of this series, I shared how the NAWCO Certification Committee works. Although it was only a brief overview, I hope it gave you an idea of the work this talented group of individuals does. In this article, I will continue to introduce you to the 15 members of the committee. (more…)
Read MoreSearch Results for: Two
10 tips for a successful professional conference
Attending a professional conference can yield many benefits if you follow these 10 tips.
1 Obtain new knowledge. Conferences provide opportunities for clinicians to gain new knowledge about procedures, technology, and research. Take notes and keep handouts for reference. After you return, share what you have learned with colleagues so multiple people benefit from the conference. Remember to complete the necessary information to obtain professional continuing education (CE) credit.
2 Become certified. Conferences typically provide opportunities for attendees to take certification exams or attend sessions to prepare for exams. If you’re planning to take a certification test, obtain test blue prints at the conference or attend a pre- or post-conference session that focuses on the certification exam. If you’re ready to test, sign up before the conference so you can become certified while you’re away. (more…)
Read MoreCase study: Maggots help heal a difficult wound
Using maggots to treat wounds dates back to 1931 in this country. Until the advent of antibiotics in the 1940s, maggots were used routinely. In the 1980s, interest in them revived due to the increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
At Select Specialty Hospital Houston in Texas, we recently decided to try maggot therapy for a patient with a particularly difficult wound. In this case study, we share our experience. (more…)
Read MoreHow to manage peristomal skin problems
For an ostomy pouching system to adhere properly, the skin around the stoma must be dry and intact. Otherwise, peristomal skin problems and skin breakdown around the stoma may occur. In fact, these problems are the most common complications of surgical stomas. They can worsen the patient’s pain and discomfort, diminish quality of life, delay rehabilitation, increase use of ostomy supplies, and raise healthcare costs.
Peristomal skin problems also perpetuate a vicious cycle in ostomy patients: They impair adhesion of the pouching system, which in turn exacerbates the skin problem. That’s why maintaining peristomal skin integrity and addressing skin problems promptly are so crucial. (more…)
Read MoreClinical Notes: Moldable Skin Barrier, hypoglycemia, diabetic food ulcers
Moldable skin barrier effective for elderly patients with ostomy
A study in Gastroenterology Nursing reports that compared to a conventional skin barrier, a moldable skin barrier significantly improves self-care satisfaction scores in elderly patients who have a stoma. The moldable skin barrier also caused less irritant dermatitis and the costs for leakage-proof cream were lower.
“The application of a moldable skin barrier in the self-care of elderly ostomy patients” included 104 patients ages 65 to 79 who had a colostomy because of colorectal cancer.
Risk factors for severe hypoglycemia in older adults with diabetes identified
Read MoreA pressure ulcer by any other name
Just when we think we’ve figured out pressure ulcer staging, it changes again. In April 2016, the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) held a consensus conference on staging definitions and terminology. The purpose: to analyze and discuss the rationale for the panel’s changes. One of the key changes is replacing the term “pressure ulcer” with “pressure injury.” So instead of calling it a pressure ulcer staging system, NPUAP will refer to it as a pressure injury staging system. The panel explained that the new terminology “more accurately describes pressure injuries to both intact and ulcerated skin.” Other changes include: (more…)
Read MoreQuiz Time 5/13/16
Which statement about hyperglycemia and mortality in patients receiving nutritional support is correct?
a. Compared to parenteral nutrition (PN), general nutrition (EN) increases hyperglycemia risk nearly twofold.
b. Compared to EN, PN increases hyperglycemia risk nearly twofold.
c. Patients whose blood glucose (BG) level stays above 220 mg/dL during PN therapy have an increased risk of death.
d. Patients whose blood glucose (BG) level stays above 220 mg/dL during PN therapy have a decreased risk of death.
Correct answer: b. Experts estimate that up to 30% of patients receiving EN and more than 50% of those receiving PN develop hyperglycemia, defined as a BG level above 200 mg/ dL. Compared to EN, PN increases hyperglycemia risk nearly twofold, even when caloric intake is similar. One study found inadequate glucose control both before and during nutrition therapy predicted a higher mortality risk.
Learn more by reading “Supplemental nutrition in hospitalized patients with diabetes“
Read MoreClinician Resources: human trafficking, npuap, caregiver, ostomy, HIV
Check out the following resources, all designed to help you in your clinical practice.
Human trafficking resources
Victims of human trafficking often suffer tremendous physical and psychological damage. Clinicians play an important role in identifying potential victims so they can obtain help.
Here are some resources to learn more about human trafficking.
• “Addressing human trafficking in the health care setting” is an online course that includes a downloadable quick-reference guide that can be saved and easily accessed from a mobile device to assist providers with essential information in the healthcare setting. (more…)
Read MoreTerms and Conditions
Nursing Knowledge Quiz Full Sweepstakes Rules
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
1. Eligibility
Nursing Knowledge Quiz Monthly Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees of Wound Care Advisor and other companies associated with the promotion of the Contest, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
2. Sponsor
The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Wound Care Advisor, located at 259 Veterans Lane, Suite 103, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901.
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Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrants full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.
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The Sweepstakes period begins on the 1st of each month at 12:00 am EST and ends on 12:00 pm EST on the last day of the same month. Entries submitted before or after the Sweepstakes Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted online for the duration of the Sweepstakes period.
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Limit (1) one entry per day, per email address for the duration of the monthly Sweepstakes. Participants must enter a valid email address and answer the quiz correctly to win. All entries become the property of Sponsor and can be used in future print and digital materials without entrant’s prior permission.
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On or about the 5th of the following month, an automated selection/winner will be chose from the pool of qualified entrants. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winner via telephone or email on or about the 6th of the following month. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within five (5) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries.
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The potential winner will be notified by email. Each potential winner will be required to complete and submit an Eligibility Form within 5 business days of winning notification, in order to claim prize. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, or fails to submit the Eligibility Form within the required time period or prize is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize. If the potential winner is at least 18 but still considered a minor in his/her jurisdiction of residence, Sponsor reserves the right to award the prize in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian, who will be required to sign the Eligibility Form on the potential winners behalf and fulfill any other requirements imposed on winner set forth herein. Potential winners must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries. Only two (2) alternate drawings will be held, after which the prize will remain un-awarded. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Sweepstakes.
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Each winner will receive a $25 American Express gift card. Winners name, city and state, will be listed on www.americannursetoday.com
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Read MorePrivacy Policy
We may use the information we collect from you when you register, make a purchase, sign up for our newsletter, respond to a survey or marketing communication, surf the website, or use certain other site features in the following ways:
Our website is scanned on a regular basis for security holes and known vulnerabilities in order to make your visit to our site as safe as possible.
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We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your Personally Identifiable Information unless we provide users with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release information when it’s release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others’ rights, property or safety.
However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.
Google’s advertising requirements can be summed up by Google’s Advertising Principles. They are put in place to provide a positive experience for users. https://support.google.com/adwordspolicy/answer/1316548?hl=en
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Nutritional considerations in patients with pressure ulcers
Optimizing nutritional status is a key strategy both in preventing and managing pressure ulcers. In patients across all care settings, compromised nutrition— as from poor intake, undesired weight loss, and malnutrition—increases the risk of pressure ulcers. It contributes to altered immune function, impaired collagen synthesis, and decreased tensile strength. In many cases, malnutrition also contributes to wound chronicity and increases the risk for delayed and impaired wound healing. In patients with chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers, a chronic inflammatory state can induce catabolic metabolism, malnutrition, and dehydration. (more…)
Read MoreFAQs about support surfaces
Support surfaces are consistently recommended for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. So patients can derive optimal benefits from support surfaces, clinicians must understand how to use them effectively. This article answers several questions about these useful tools. (more…)
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