RCN leads call for prison healthcare reforms to curb rising deaths

Healthcare in the justice system must be improved to prevent more prisoners dying prematurely, warns a new report by the Royal College of Nursing and a government advisory committee. It comes amid a rise in the number of natural deaths in custody in England and…

The post RCN leads call for prison healthcare reforms to curb rising deaths appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Brexit: Nursing assistants recommended for job shortage list

Nursing assistants are in such short supply in the UK that employers should be given more flexibility to recruit into these roles from overseas after Brexit, the government has been told by a group of expert advisors. The “critical role” people in these jobs were…

The post Brexit: Nursing assistants recommended for job shortage list appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Psychology Quiz Series - 20

Psychology Quiz Series - 19

Psychology Quiz Series - 21

Read More

‘Blame culture’ in midwifery affecting staff retention, committee told

Issues around the workplace culture in maternity services are driving midwives away from the profession and impacting the safety of care delivered to pregnant women, a committee of MPs has heard. A panel of experts today presented oral evidence to the Health and Social Care…

The post ‘Blame culture’ in midwifery affecting staff retention, committee told appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Coronavirus: 90% of NHS leaders worried about staff wellbeing

Nine out of 10 leaders in the English NHS are concerned about the long-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the wellbeing of their staff. The finding is revealed in a new report published today by the NHS Confederation titled NHS Reset: A New Direction…

The post Coronavirus: 90% of NHS leaders worried about staff wellbeing appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Analysis: The case for an early pay rise for nurses

Nurses are still recovering from the initial peak of the coronavirus pandemic and now face the challenge of a second wave. Despite the plaudits that have come their way, many still do not feel properly valued. With the clapping now fading but Covid-19 cases again…

The post Analysis: The case for an early pay rise for nurses appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Government promises four-month PPE stockpiles for winter

The government has today published a new national personal protective equipment (PPE) strategy that it claims will secure an “uninterrupted” supply of items for nurses and colleagues treating Covid-19 patients this winter. As part of the strategy, health and social care secretary Matt Hancock announced that…

The post Government promises four-month PPE stockpiles for winter appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Give nurses ‘easy access’ to flu jab during shifts, says RCN

Employers must make getting vaccinated against influenza as easy as possible for their health and care workers by offering jabs on site and during shifts, the Royal College of Nursing has urged. The college made the appeal today as it launched its annual #BeatTheFlu campaign,…

The post Give nurses ‘easy access’ to flu jab during shifts, says RCN appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Microbiology Quiz Series - 18

Microbiology Quiz Series - 17

Microbiology Quiz Series - 19

Read More

Chemo nurse learns sign language to improve care for deaf patients

A chemotherapy nurse who taught herself sign language has been praised for the way she has transformed care for deaf patients on her hospital unit in Staffordshire. Dawn Bebbington, staff nurse on the chemotherapy unit at County Hospital in Stafford, was inspired to learn British…

The post Chemo nurse learns sign language to improve care for deaf patients appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

NMC launches new code of practice campaign

The nursing regulator has today launched a new campaign to “bring to life” its code of practice and highlight how it can be used to guide difficult decision making during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Caring with Confidence will involve a series of short animations…

The post NMC launches new code of practice campaign appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series - 18

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series - 17       

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series - 19

NCLEX Quiz Series   Sterilization Quiz   NSAID Quiz               Vitamin A Quiz

Previous Nursing Exam Question Paper     Red blood cell (RBC) Quiz

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series  Immunoglobin & Immunity Quiz

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series   BCG or MMR Quiz

Community Health Nursing Quiz Series  Level of Prevention

Child Health Nursing Quiz Series           Female Reproductive System

Medical – Surgical Nursing Quiz Series    Method of Teaching

Maternity Nursing Quiz Series   Polio Vaccine Quiz

Mental Health Nursing Quiz Series  DT Vaccine

Fundamental Health Nursing Quiz Series   Mental Health Quiz

Nutrition and Biochemistry Quiz Series

Psychology Quiz Series     Anaemia Quiz          Components of blood Quiz

Microbiology Quiz Series   Vitamin Quiz

Pharmacology Quiz Series    DPT Vaccine

Nursing Education Quiz Series

Nursing Research & Statistics Quiz Series

Nursing Management Quiz Series  Acid-base imbalance Quiz

Female Reproductive System MCQ

Previous Nursing Exam Question Paper

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series

Community Health Nursing Quiz Series

Child Health Nursing Quiz Series

Medical – Surgical Nursing Quiz Series

Maternity Nursing Quiz Series

Mental Health Nursing Quiz Series

Fundamental Health Nursing Quiz Series

Nutrition and Biochemistry Quiz Series

Psychology Quiz Series

Microbiology Quiz Series

Pharmacology Quiz Series

Nursing Education Quiz Series

Nursing Research & Statistics Quiz Series

Nursing Management Quiz Series

Read More

News round-up: Catch-up on September’s major nursing stories

Miss any of the news affecting the profession during September 2020? Catch up with our monthly summary of the main nursing headlines, as reported by Nursing Times.   Nurses to access clear face masks to improve communication Nurses across the UK are set to have…

The post News round-up: Catch-up on September’s major nursing stories appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Nursing Management Quiz Series - 20

Nursing Management Quiz Series - 19

Nursing Management Quiz Series - 21

Read More

RCN election row: Petitioners and council find common ground

Talks between council members at the Royal College of Nursing and petitioners seeking to force change at the college through an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) appear to have taken a positive turn. The two sides met last night and agreed to work together to organise…

The post RCN election row: Petitioners and council find common ground appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Care home nurses ‘highest priority’ for Covid-19 vaccine in draft list

Nurses have been labelled as a top priority for a Covid-19 vaccine – especially those in care homes – by a committee advising the government on immunisation. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has today published 11 draft groups it believes should be…

The post Care home nurses ‘highest priority’ for Covid-19 vaccine in draft list appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Warning over fate of flu campaign if GPNs go without Covid-19 tests

Problems in access to Covid-19 testing for general practice nurses will threaten the ability of primary care to deliver this year's expanded influenza vaccination programme, the government has been warned. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has this week written to Baroness Dido Harding…

The post Warning over fate of flu campaign if GPNs go without Covid-19 tests appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

RCN welcomes ‘important’ review of gender services for young people

Nursing leaders have welcomed an announcement by NHS England of an independent review into gender identity services for children and young people. The review will be wide-ranging in scope and will look to make recommendations on the current and future workforce needs for these services.…

The post RCN welcomes ‘important’ review of gender services for young people appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Nursing Research Quiz Series - 23

Nursing Research Quiz Series - 22

Nursing Research Quiz Series - 24

Read More

‘Record’ rise in student nurses including 30% more men

A record number of students have been placed on nursing courses across the UK this year, new figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) reveal. The data, published 28 days after the clearing process, showed 34,190 student nurses had been accepted onto a…

The post ‘Record’ rise in student nurses including 30% more men appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Staff discrimination named ‘biggest workforce issue of pandemic’

Discrimination faced by health and care staff from a Black and minority ethnic (BME) background has been described as the “biggest workforce issue of the pandemic”, according to a new report. The NHS Confederation report, published today, set out a list of key actions that…

The post Staff discrimination named ‘biggest workforce issue of pandemic’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

RCN Wales urges next government to ‘value the profession’

The Royal College of Nursing in Wales has launched a new manifesto that calls on the next Welsh Government to provide a “substantive” pay rise and extend safe staffing legislation. RCN Wales has this week published its Vote for Nursing Campaign to lobby the next…

The post RCN Wales urges next government to ‘value the profession’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Influential director of RCN Scotland announces retirement

Theresa Fyffe, director of the Royal College of Nursing in Scotland, has announced that she will retire from the college after 14 years in the top role. A former critical care nurse, Ms Fyffe (pictured above) has been commended for raising the RCN’s profile in…

The post Influential director of RCN Scotland announces retirement appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Government places nurses in new Covid-19 testing priority list

Care home staff have been placed second and NHS staff third on a new priority list for Covid-19 testing, the government has announced. Nursing leaders and unions have been calling on the government in recent weeks to ensure nursing staff and colleagues were front of…

The post Government places nurses in new Covid-19 testing priority list appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Nurses working under ‘damaging conditions’, warns report

Urgent action is needed to address “alarmingly high levels” of nurse stress, turnover and intentions to quit, which have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, a new report has warned. A blueprint published today by the King’s Fund health think tank called on organisations to…

The post Nurses working under ‘damaging conditions’, warns report appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Government’s 50,000 nurse pledge ‘not based on modelling’

The government appears to be unaware of how many nurses the NHS in England actually needs and in what specialisms to meet demand, an influential committee of MPs has warned. It said the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) "could not show" that its…

The post Government’s 50,000 nurse pledge ‘not based on modelling’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Government agrees to sign charter to ‘protect health workers’

The health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock, has agreed to sign up to a new health worker safety charter, which vows to protect staff from violence, biological hazards, and improve their mental health. On World Patient Safety Day last week, the World Health Organization…

The post Government agrees to sign charter to ‘protect health workers’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

CNO announces £28m to restart international nurse recruitment

Funding worth £28m is being made available in England to quickly “accelerate” the recruitment of nurses from overseas, following a period of inactivity due to the coronavirus pandemic. Half of the money is dedicated to supporting the arrival to the country of nurses who have…

The post CNO announces £28m to restart international nurse recruitment appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Long-standing leader of health visiting body to ‘step back’ from role

The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) has announced that Dr Cheryll Adams, who founded the organisation, will be stepping back from her role as executive director early next year. Current director of policy and quality at the institute, Alison Morton, will become acting executive director…

The post Long-standing leader of health visiting body to ‘step back’ from role appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Action needed ‘now’ to protect nurses as Covid-19 infections soar

Nursing leaders have called for action to ensure resources are in place for nurses to tackle a second wave of Covid-19 amid a rapid rise in cases nationally. The resurgence in cases has led to the UK’s four chief medical officers recommending this afternoon that…

The post Action needed ‘now’ to protect nurses as Covid-19 infections soar appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

CNO calls on nurses to tackle 10k challenge for colleagues in crisis

The chief nursing officer for England has issued a plea to nurses and midwives to support colleagues facing personal and financial crises by taking on a 10k challenge of their choosing. Ruth May has urged staff to sign up to this year’s '10k for Nurses…

The post CNO calls on nurses to tackle 10k challenge for colleagues in crisis appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Nurse says new dementia village is benefiting staff and patients

A new dementia 'village’ at a hospital site in the East Midlands is supporting patients to "live the best life they can", according to a senior nurse who works there. Featuring a communal green, a post office, a village hall, a launderette and bus stop,…

The post Nurse says new dementia village is benefiting staff and patients appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

England launches trial of A&E appointment system

A new appointment booking system for urgent care is being trialled in England as part of efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. Under the pilot, people with a non-life-threatening problem will be asked to phone the NHS 111 service to be triaged before attending…

The post England launches trial of A&E appointment system appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

DHSC announces new adult social care chief nurse role

A new chief nurse role for adult social care role is being created to help steer the workforce through the challenges of the upcoming winter and beyond. Recruitment for the position will begin in October and the successful candidate will charged with providing clinical and…

The post DHSC announces new adult social care chief nurse role appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Northern Irish nurse says ‘weary’ staff fear second Covid-19 wave

A senior nurse in Northern Ireland with more than 20 years' experience in emergency care has said she has never before seen colleagues "so worried about the incoming winter". At a time when the number of Covid-19 cases in the country are rising, Roisin Devlin,…

The post Northern Irish nurse says ‘weary’ staff fear second Covid-19 wave appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

RCN schedules 2021 vote on re-joining global nursing federation

Members of the Royal College of Nursing will be asked to vote next year on whether the college should re-join the International Council of Nurses. Ahead of the planned vote at its 2021 annual general meeting, the college is set to hold an engagement exercise…

The post RCN schedules 2021 vote on re-joining global nursing federation appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

RCN row continues as petitioners complain of being shut out

The Royal College of Nursing presidential election row is continuing to rumble on despite promises of an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). The college’s governing council announced yesterday that it would be calling an EGM in the near future to give members an opportunity to air…

The post RCN row continues as petitioners complain of being shut out appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Europe will extend year of the nurse and midwife into 2021

The International Year of the Nurse and Midwife will be extended in Europe in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it has been announced. The a World Health Organization (WHO) had dedicated 2020 to nurses and midwives to showcase and celebrate the work of the…

The post Europe will extend year of the nurse and midwife into 2021 appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

No patient safety without nurse safety, governments warned

Patient safety and the safety of nurses are “two sides of the same coin”, nursing leaders across the UK and globally have warned today. They are using this year's World Patient Safety Day to call for action and investment in order to protect nurse health…

The post No patient safety without nurse safety, governments warned appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Consultation launched on extension of Welsh nurse staffing law

Plans to extend safe nurse staffing legislation in Wales to include children’s inpatient wards have taken a step forward, as a 12-week consultation is launched. The Welsh Government is now gathering views on changes to the law to include paediatric inpatient wards. “While we welcome…

The post Consultation launched on extension of Welsh nurse staffing law appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Further funds announced to control Covid-19 infections in care homes

An emergency support fund to help limit the spread of Covid-19 in care homes in England is being topped up with an additional £546m ahead of the winter. A key purpose of the Infection Control Fund is to help the care sector restrict the movement…

The post Further funds announced to control Covid-19 infections in care homes appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Emergency meeting of RCN will ‘give members space to air concerns’

An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of the Royal College of Nursing will be convened “soon”, the chair of the college’s ruling council has announced. Dave Dawes (pictured above) said the EGM would provide members with a space to air their concerns following a stormy few…

The post Emergency meeting of RCN will ‘give members space to air concerns’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

‘Vital’ for nurses to take up flu jab this year, warns CNO

The annual call for health and care staff to take up the offer of a free influenza vaccination is more imperative than ever this year in light of Covid-19, England’s chief nursing officer has warned. With the first flu vaccine deliveries due to reach employers…

The post ‘Vital’ for nurses to take up flu jab this year, warns CNO appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Emergency care forms tweaked to make them more ‘patient-centred’

The process used to discuss and document an individual's emergency care wishes has been altered in order to make it more "patient-centred" and reduce the likelihood of "misunderstandings". The changes follow concerns raised during the coronavirus pandemic about the way decisions were being made about…

The post Emergency care forms tweaked to make them more ‘patient-centred’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Punishments to get ‘even tougher’ for people who attack nurses

Maximum prison sentences for people who assault nurses are set to be increased again, this time from one year to two, the government has announced. It follows the introduction in 2018 of the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act that made it a specific crime…

The post Punishments to get ‘even tougher’ for people who attack nurses appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Psychology Quiz Series - 19

Psychology Quiz Series - 18

Psychology Quiz Series - 20

Read More

World’s governments have ‘failed to prioritise’ nurses during Covid-19

Calls have been made for governments to address their “collective failure” to prioritise nurses during the coronavirus pandemic, as a new report reveals a “disturbing snapshot” of how health workers are being exposed to the virus and its associated risks. In a new report published…

The post World’s governments have ‘failed to prioritise’ nurses during Covid-19 appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Covid-19 test results for care home nurses ‘consistently delayed and lost’

Care home nurses continue to struggle with access to coronavirus tests, with some reporting that results are “consistently delayed, inconclusive or even get lost”, according to a nursing union. The Royal College of Nursing has warned that, without proper testing and processes in place, the…

The post Covid-19 test results for care home nurses ‘consistently delayed and lost’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Finalists of the 2020 Nursing Times Workforce Awards revealed

The people and organisations that have made the shortlist for the 2020 Nursing Times Workforce Awards has been announced today. We received over 100 entries, giving our judges a tough job to whittle these down into our shortlist across the award’s 15 categories. The event,…

The post Finalists of the 2020 Nursing Times Workforce Awards revealed appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Giant sea turtle named in honour of nurses returned to ocean

A giant seagoing turtle that was rescued from a beach in the US in May, and named after Florence Nightingale, has been released back into the ocean after a full recovery from injury. As previously reported by Nursing Times, the turtle was found stranded and…

The post Giant sea turtle named in honour of nurses returned to ocean appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Covid-19 risk in hospitals ‘lowest among intensive care staff’

The risk of Covid-19 infection among staff at the height of the coronavirus pandemic was lowest among intensive care clinicians, contrary to expectations, according to findings in one UK hospital. In contrast, coronavirus risk was found to be highest among acute and general medicine clinicians,…

The post Covid-19 risk in hospitals ‘lowest among intensive care staff’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Nurses to raise funds for mental health unit with 100 mile walk

A pair of nurses have put on their walking boots and set off on what they have coined a ‘walk to recovery’, in a bid to raise money to improve patient activities at a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Sunderland. Tom Gardner and Ryan…

The post Nurses to raise funds for mental health unit with 100 mile walk appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

‘More specialist midwives needed’ to support BAME women

Urgent changes must be made to ensure maternity care is safer for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) women,  according to the Royal College of Midwives. In a motion at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) annual conference today, the RCM insisted that more specialist midwives…

The post ‘More specialist midwives needed’ to support BAME women appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Nurses ‘continue fight’ for pay increase amid protest cancellations

Up to 3,000 nurses and health workers took part in a series of online and in-person pay protests across the country this weekend, despite several being cancelled because of the rise in coronavirus cases. Nurses both lined the streets and joined together virtually to continue…

The post Nurses ‘continue fight’ for pay increase amid protest cancellations appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Microbiology Quiz Series - 17

Microbiology Quiz Series - 16

Microbiology Quiz Series - 18

Read More

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series - 17

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series - 16     

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series - 18

NCLEX Quiz Series   Sterilization Quiz   NSAID Quiz               Vitamin A Quiz

Previous Nursing Exam Question Paper     Red blood cell (RBC) Quiz

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series  Immunoglobin & Immunity Quiz

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series   BCG or MMR Quiz

Community Health Nursing Quiz Series  Level of Prevention

Child Health Nursing Quiz Series           Female Reproductive System

Medical – Surgical Nursing Quiz Series    Method of Teaching

Maternity Nursing Quiz Series   Polio Vaccine Quiz

Mental Health Nursing Quiz Series  DT Vaccine

Fundamental Health Nursing Quiz Series   Mental Health Quiz

Nutrition and Biochemistry Quiz Series

Psychology Quiz Series     Anaemia Quiz          Components of blood Quiz

Microbiology Quiz Series   Vitamin Quiz

Pharmacology Quiz Series    DPT Vaccine

Nursing Education Quiz Series

Nursing Research & Statistics Quiz Series

Nursing Management Quiz Series  Acid-base imbalance Quiz

Previous Nursing Exam Question Paper

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series

Vitamin MCQ

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series

Community Health Nursing Quiz Series

Child Health Nursing Quiz Series

Medical – Surgical Nursing Quiz Series

Maternity Nursing Quiz Series

Mental Health Nursing Quiz Series

Fundamental Health Nursing Quiz Series

Nutrition and Biochemistry Quiz Series

Psychology Quiz Series

Microbiology Quiz Series

Pharmacology Quiz Series

Nursing Education Quiz Series

Nursing Research & Statistics Quiz Series

Nursing Management Quiz Series

Read More

Nursing Management Quiz Series - 19

Nursing Management Quiz Series - 18

Nursing Management Quiz Series - 20

Read More

Coronavirus case rise postpones half of nurse weekend pay protests

Nurses fighting for a pay rise have confirmed that nearly half the physical demonstrations organised for this weekend have been forced to be postponed following the rise in coronavirus cases across the country. On Saturday 12 September, 19 demonstrations were set to take place throughout…

The post Coronavirus case rise postpones half of nurse weekend pay protests appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

HEE to fund ‘top-up’ apprenticeships for nursing associates

A new funding offer will support more than 400 nursing associates and assistant practitioners to undertake a two-year ‘top-up’ apprenticeship to become registered nurses. Health Education England has this week announced it will fund 420 new apprentices, starting from September. “This much needed funding will…

The post HEE to fund ‘top-up’ apprenticeships for nursing associates appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

First for mental health and learning disability education on Guernsey

For the first time ever, learning disability and mental health nurse education is to begin on Guernsey, allowing the Channel Island to “grow its own” nurses in those two specialties. Learning disability and mental health nurse education, endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, will…

The post First for mental health and learning disability education on Guernsey appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Nursing Research Quiz Series - 22

Nursing Research Quiz Series - 21

Nursing Research Quiz Series - 23

Read More

New scoring tool ‘accurately predicts Covid-19 death risk’

A team of UK researchers has developed an “easy-to-use” scoring system to help predict mortality risk in patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19. Those behind the new system said it could be used by clinicians to inform treatment decisions and to stratify coronavirus patients into…

The post New scoring tool ‘accurately predicts Covid-19 death risk’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Half of returnees on NMC temporary register ‘might stay’

Almost half of the nursing professionals who returned to practice to support the UK coronavirus response would consider staying on permanently, a survey reveals. The Nursing and Midwifery Council has today published the findings of a snapshot analysis of its Covid-19 temporary register as of…

The post Half of returnees on NMC temporary register ‘might stay’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Analysis: Nursing and the quest for equality in NHS leadership

Nursing is the "most common route" for women to become chief executives in the NHS, according to a new report, which also highlighted ongoing challenges around race inequality in the profession. The NHS Confederation's Health and Care Women Leaders Network found that the health service…

The post Analysis: Nursing and the quest for equality in NHS leadership appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Trust looks to ‘accelerate’ nursing innovation with new fellowship

A new fellowship is being made available at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in a bid to bolster nursing innovation across the organisation. The "first of its kind" Nursing Innovation Fellow position has come to life thanks to a grant from the Burdett…

The post Trust looks to ‘accelerate’ nursing innovation with new fellowship appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Free webinar on vital signs monitoring for deterioration and sepsis

The earlier detection of deterioration in patients is an incredibly important topic for nurses because it leads to better outcomes and more lives saved. In recognition of this importance, Nursing Times is exploring the use of vital signs monitoring to better detect deterioration and sepsis…

The post Free webinar on vital signs monitoring for deterioration and sepsis appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

CQC tells London hospital to urgently improve infection control

Inspectors have ordered a hospital trust in west London to improve its infection prevention and control practices following a Covid-19 outbreak among staff. The Care Quality Commission has used its regulatory powers to force Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to make urgent changes for the…

The post CQC tells London hospital to urgently improve infection control appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Nurses to access clear face masks to improve communication

Nurses across the UK are set to have access to clear face masks in a bid to improve communication with individuals who rely on lip reading and facial expressions, during the coronavirus pandemic. The government has announced that 250,000 clear face masks will be delivered…

The post Nurses to access clear face masks to improve communication appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Child Health Nursing Quiz Series - 18

Child Health Nursing Quiz Series - 17

Child Health Nursing Quiz Series - 19

Previous Nursing Exam Question Paper

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series

Anatomy and Physiology Quiz Series

Community Health Nursing Quiz Series

Child Health Nursing Quiz Series

Medical – Surgical Nursing Quiz Series

Maternity Nursing Quiz Series

Mental Health Nursing Quiz Series

Fundamental Health Nursing Quiz Series

Nutrition and Biochemistry Quiz Series

Psychology Quiz Series

Microbiology Quiz Series

Pharmacology Quiz Series

Nursing Education Quiz Series

Nursing Research & Statistics Quiz Series

Nursing Management Quiz Series

Read More

Long-serving mental health nurse dies after contracting Covid-19

A mental health nurse who had dedicated almost 30 years to working for the NHS after moving to England from Tanzania has died after contracting Covid-19. Wilbald Tesha, known to his colleagues and friends as Tesha, was a mental health nurse for the Department of…

The post Long-serving mental health nurse dies after contracting Covid-19 appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Good nursing hospitals deliver better outcomes at ‘no extra cost’

Investment in hospital nurses leads to better patient outcomes and pays for itself financially through improved care, according to a study by US nursing academics. It found patients admitted to hospitals with good nurse staffing and work environments were less likely to die or be…

The post Good nursing hospitals deliver better outcomes at ‘no extra cost’ appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Equality 4 Black Nurses group seeks to tackle workplace racism

An agency nurse fighting to stamp out racial discrimination in the health and care sector has launched a grassroots movement to support Black nurses and lobby for change. Drawing on her own experiences of discrimination at work, Neomi Bennett has created the Equality 4 Black…

The post Equality 4 Black Nurses group seeks to tackle workplace racism appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Survey uncovers ‘almost accepted’ bullying culture in perioperative teams

Most perioperative nursing staff in the UK have witnessed or experienced bullying at work, a new survey has revealed. The poll of almost 700 UK theatre practitioners found that bullying was a significant and widespread problem in operating departments and had become “almost accepted” in…

The post Survey uncovers ‘almost accepted’ bullying culture in perioperative teams appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Symptoms and causes of anxiety and its diagnosis and management

All nurses will meet people who experience anxiety, and an awareness of the underlying causes, simple interventions and when to refer to specialist services can help patients to manage their symptoms. This article comes with a self-assessment enabling you to test your knowledge after reading…

The post Symptoms and causes of anxiety and its diagnosis and management appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

New RCN Council chair commits to review of president election

An independent review will be commissioned into the Royal College of Nursing’s 2020 presidential election and the events that led to its break down, the new chair of RCN Council has pledged. The council would also adhere to calls for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM),…

The post New RCN Council chair commits to review of president election appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Nurse manager back on frontline after four-month Covid-19 journey

A critical care nurse who spent almost two weeks in the intensive care unit she runs and four months off work because of her Covid-19 diagnosis has now recovered enough to return to the frontline. Sue Snelson, a critical care outreach nurse specialist, was in…

The post Nurse manager back on frontline after four-month Covid-19 journey appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

ICU nurse captures the impact of Covid-19 on the workforce

An intensive care nurse has photographed the emotions and experiences of colleagues working on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic to reflect the “mounting pressures” staff were under. Emily Gilhespy told Nursing Times that she decided to spend her breaks from an acute intensive…

The post ICU nurse captures the impact of Covid-19 on the workforce appeared first on Nursing Times.

Read More

Dexamethasone

 

Generic Name : dexamethasone,dexamethasone acetate , dexamethasone sodium phosphate

Brand Name:

• Oral, topical dermatologic aerosol and gel, ophthalmic suspension: Aeroseb-Dex, Decadron, Hexadrol, Maxidex Ophthalmic, ratio-Dexanamethasone (CAN)
• IM, intra-articular, or soft-tissue injection: Cortastat LA, Dalalone L.A., Decaject LA, Dexasone-L.A., Dexone LA, Solurex LA
• IV, IM, intra-articular, intralesional injection; respiratory inhalant; intranasal steroid; ophthalmic solution and ointment; topical dermatologic cream: Cortastat, Dalalone, Decadron Phosphate, Decaject, Dexasone, Hexadrol Phosphate, Solurex

Classification: Corticosteroid, Glucocorticoid, Hormone

Pregnancy Category C

Dosage & Route

ADULTS

Systemic administration

• Individualize dosage based on severity of condition and response. Give daily dose before 9 AM to minimize adrenal suppression. If long-term therapy is needed, alternate-day therapy with a short-acting steroid should be considered. After long-term therapy, withdraw drug slowly to avoid adrenal insufficiency. For maintenance therapy, reduce initial dose in small increments at intervals until the lowest clinically satisfactory dose is reached.

Oral (dexamethasone)

• 0.75–9 mg/day.
• Suppression test for Cushing’s syndrome: 1 mg at 11 AM; assay plasma cortisol at 8 AM the next day. For greater accuracy, give 0.5 mg q 6 hr for 48 hr, and collect 24-hr urine to determine 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) excretion.
• Suppression test to distinguish Cushing’s syndrome due to ACTH excess from that resulting from other causes: 2 mg q 6 hr for 48 hr. Collect 24-hr urine to determine 17-OHCS excretion.

IM (dexamethasone acetate)

• 8–16 mg; may repeat in 1–3 wk.

IV or IM (dexamethasone sodium phosphate)

• 0.5–9 mg/day.
• Cerebral edema: 10 mg IV and then 4 mg IM q 6 hr until cerebral edema symptoms subside; change to oral therapy, 1–3 mg tid, as soon as possible and taper over 5–7 days.

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

• Individualize dosage based on severity of condition and response, rather than by strict adherence to formulas that correct adult doses for age or body weight. Carefully observe growth and development in infants and children on long-term therapy.

IV

• Unresponsive shock: 1–6 mg/kg as a single IV injection (as much as 40 mg initially followed by repeated injections q 2–6 hr has been reported).

Intralesional (dexamethasone acetate)

ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

• 4–16 mg intra-articular, soft tissue; 0.8–1.6 mg intralesional.

(dexamethasone sodium phosphate)

• 0.4–6 mg (depending on joint or soft-tissue injection site).
• Respiratory inhalant (dexamethasone sodium phosphate)
• 84 mcg released with each actuation.

ADULTS

• 3 inhalations tid–qid, not to exceed 12 inhalations/day.

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

• 2 inhalations tid–qid, not to exceed 8 inhalations/day.
• Intranasal (dexamethasone sodium phosphate)
• Each spray delivers 84 mcg dexamethasone.

ADULTS

• 2 sprays (168 mcg) into each nostril bid–tid, not to exceed 12 sprays (1,008 mcg)/day.

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

• 1 or 2 sprays (84–168 mcg) into each nostril bid, depending on age, not to exceed 8 sprays (672 mcg). Arrange to reduce dose and discontinue therapy as soon as possible.

Topical dermatologic preparations

ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

• Apply sparingly to affected area bid–qid.
• Ophthalmic solutions, suspensions

ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

• Instill 1 or 2 drops into the conjunctival sac q 1 hr during the day and q 2 hr during the night; after a favorable response, reduce dose to 1 drop q 4 hr and then 1 drop tid–qid.
• Ophthalmic ointment

ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

• Apply a thin coating in the lower conjunctival sac tid–qid; reduce dosage to bid and then qid after improvement.

Therapeutic actions

• Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid which decreases inflammation by inhibiting the migration of leukocytes and reversal of increased capillary permeability. It suppresses normal immune response

Indications

• Hypercalcemia associated with cancer
• Short-term management of various inflammatory and allergic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, collagen diseases (SLE), dermatologic diseases (pemphigus), status asthmaticus, and autoimmune disorders
• Hematologic disorders: Thrombocytopenic purpura, erythroblastopenia
• Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement
• Ulcerative colitis, acute exacerbations of MS, and palliation in some leukemias and lymphomas
• Cerebral edema associated with brain tumor, craniotomy, or head injury
• Testing adrenocortical hyperfunction
• Unlabeled uses: Antiemetic for cisplatin-induced vomiting, diagnosis of depression
• Intra-articular or soft-tissue administration: Arthritis, psoriatic plaques
• Respiratory inhalant: Control of bronchial asthma requiring corticosteroids in conjunction with other therapy
• Intranasal: Relief of symptoms of seasonal or perennial rhinitis that responds poorly to other treatments
• Dermatologic preparations: Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of dermatoses that are steroid-responsive
• Ophthalmic preparations: Inflammation of the lid, conjunctiva, cornea, and globe

Adverse effects

• Growth retardation, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, glaucoma and subcapsular cataracts, vertebral compression fractures. Cushing-like features, pancreatic dysfunction and pancreatitis, GI upsets, increased appetite, increased fragility of the skin. Increased susceptibility to infection. Topical application: Dermal atrophy, local irritation, folliculitis, delayed wound healing, systemic absorption and toxicity with occlusive dressing on application to large areas of the body and broken skin. Topical application to eye: Corneal ulcers, glaucoma and reduced visual ability. Inhalation: Hoarseness, candidiasis of mouth and throat. Intra-articular inj: Aseptic necrosis of bone and joint damage.
• Potentially Fatal: HPA supression; CV collapse on rapid IV admin.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity; active untreated infections; ophthalmic use in viral, fungal disease of the eye.

Nursing considerations

Assessment

• History for systemic administration: Active infections; renal or hepatic disease; hypothyroidism, ulcerative colitis; diverticulitis; active or latent peptic ulcer; inflammatory bowel disease; CHF, hypertension, thromboembolic disorders; osteoporosis; seizure disorders; diabetes mellitus; lactation
• History for ophthalmic preparations: Acute superficial herpes simplex keratitis, fungal infections of ocular structures; vaccinia, varicella, and other viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva; ocular TB
• Physical for systemic administration: Baseline body weight, T; reflexes, and grip strength, affect, and orientation; P, BP, peripheral perfusion, prominence of superficial veins; R and adventitious sounds; serum electrolytes, blood glucose
• Physical for topical dermatologic preparations: Affected area for infections, skin injury

Interventions

• For systemic administration, do not give drug to nursing mothers; drug is secreted in breast milk.
• WARNING: Give daily doses before 9 AM to mimic normal peak corticosteroid blood levels.
• Increase dosage when patient is subject to stress.
• Taper doses when discontinuing high-dose or long-term therapy.
• Do not give live virus vaccines with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.
• For respiratory inhalant, intranasal preparation, do not use respiratory inhalant during an acute asthmatic attack or to manage status asthmaticus.
• Do not use intranasal product with untreated local nasal infections, epistaxis, nasal trauma, septal ulcers, or recent nasal surgery.
• WARNING: Taper systemic steroids carefully during transfer to inhalational steroids; adrenal insufficiency deaths have occurred.
• For topical dermatologic preparations, use caution when occlusive dressings, tight diapers cover affected area; these can increase systemic absorption.
• Avoid prolonged use near the eyes, in genital and rectal areas, and in skin creases.

Teaching points

Systemic administration

• Do not stop taking the oral drug without consulting your health care provider.
• Avoid exposure to infection.
• Report unusual weight gain, swelling of the extremities, muscle weakness, black or tarry stools, fever, prolonged sore throat, colds or other infections, worsening of this disorder.

Intra-articular administration

• Do not overuse joint after therapy, even if pain is gone.

Respiratory inhalant, intranasal preparation

• Do not use more often than prescribed.
• Do not stop using this drug without consulting health care provider.
• Use the inhalational bronchodilator drug before using the oral inhalant product when using both.
• Administer decongestant nose drops first if nasal passages are blocked.

Topical

• Apply the drug sparingly.
• Avoid contact with eyes.
• Report any irritation or infection at the site of application.

Ophthalmic

• Administer as follows: Lie down or tilt head backward and look at ceiling. Warm tube of ointment in hand for several minutes. Apply one-fourth to one-half inch of ointment, or drop suspension inside lower eyelid while looking up. After applying ointment, close eyelids and roll eyeball in all directions. After instilling eye drops, release lower lid, but do not blink for at least 30 seconds; apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye for 1 minute. Do not close eyes tightly, and try not to blink more often than usual; do not touch ointment tube or dropper to eye, fingers, or any surface.
• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye preparations.
• Eyes will become more sensitive to light (use sunglasses).
• Report worsening of the condition, pain, itching, swelling of the eye, failure of the condition to improve after 1 week.

Read More