Anaphylaxis: a study of the condition and treatment

Anaphylaxis is a sudeen, severe and life threatening hypersensitivity reaction following exposure to a foregin protein. The majority of anaphylactic deaths are caused by envenomation from stings followed by adverse reactions to drugs and food.Treatment tends to be  through the use of intra muscular adrenaline, nebulised salbutamo, anti histamines and steroids, although evidence has shown that the time required for the anti histamines and steroids to work shows little benefit for the patient in the early treatment stage.Given the nature of anaphylaxis, research on human subjects is fraught with ethical dilemas and a status quo in treatment regimes is likely for the foreseeable futur

Health Promotion with Cardiovascular Patients in the Clinical Setting: A students perspective

A study focusing on a student nurses personal experience of examining what is health promotion and giving advice and knowledge to a cardiovascular patient within a clinical setting. The study’s aim was to explore the three main health promotion topics the student decided was important to that particular patient but are also applicable to other cardiovascular patients in some form. The reasoning for choosing the three main topics were that studies have shown smoking, poor diet and lack of physical activity are all major risk factors in developing cardiovascular disease. In conclusion the student found the role health professionals play in health promotion is invaluable as they have direct access to the patients and can therefore offer primary and secondary expert knowledge and advice

Whistleblowing as a means to raise concerns, or a means to an end!

This is a reflection on a whistleblowing policy in practice.  This will be linked to a specific issue from practice.  Consideration will be given to the impact of culture within an organisation of a staff member decision to use the whistleblowing policy.While whistleblowing is an option where a staff member has serious concerns about quality of care, it is one that is only taken when all other avenues are exhausted.  It will explore some of the challenges that staff and students can encounter when making a decision to whistleblow.  It will explain how a whistleblowing policy can support professionals in practice.It argues how those on the receiving end of care may have limited choice on the quality of that care, but as health professionals we do have choices and it is about what choices we make

Exploring the Assessment and Communication throughout an Ectopic Pregnancy

The application of the Chapelhow framework for a female patient experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, focusing on the assessment and communication elements of patient care. Further exploring the patients journey from the emergency room to the ward, discussing the investigations and pathways utilised throughout and providing the rationale behind the decisions made. Highlighting the good and poor aspects of holistic care provided and the impact on the patient and her partner. Finally evaluating the standard of assessment and communication as high, however recommendations to focus further on patient centred care, to minimise anxiety and distress for the patient during a difficult time and improvements made to teamwork amongst the multidisciplinary team.

Health promotion and patient empowerment in the palliative setting: a case study.

This article discusses the concept of health promotion within a palliative care setting and the benefits of health promotion within this context.  Promoting choice and autonomy benefits not only the patient but also impacts upon their family and friends.  Three topics are considered; smoking, oral health and psychological wellbeing.  Using case studies, I elucidate how individualised care planning benefits and empowers the patient.   Barriers to promoting health such as lack of skill and time management are considered, and how these were overcome. The legal, ethical and policy contexts governing best practice nursing care are considered alongside the chosen topics

Safeguarding: Reflecting on Practice

The focus of this reflection is around an allegation of neglect of a baby.  Using Gibbs model of reflection has enabled me to systematically explore the issues.It will explore some of the challenges that can be experienced by a practitioner when managing such issues.  Recognition is given to the need for organisational and individual change if we are to improve practice in the management of safeguarding issues.  It is acknowledged that we need to be able to recognise the challenges in the first instance if we are to improve practice

Role of the Nurse in Managing Asthma in the Community

This article will examine the role of nurses managing asthma patients in the community, investigating factors around the management of asthma, such as education, triggers and local initiatives to prevent future exacerbations of asthma. Further research suggestions include investigating a correlation between asthma deaths and whether the patient received the advised annual review