Exam 2 Flashcards
(373 cards)
What is public health surveillance, an aspect of emergency and trauma nursing?
-reporting frequent symptoms of patients that have similar histories
Example of an ER nurse using public health surveillance ?
-multiple patients have sx of gastroenteritis and ate at the same restaurant –> ER nurse reports this to the community
Why does disaster preparedness matter for a nurse working in the ER?
-contains policies and procedures so nurses know how to respond
-determines how many patients they can accept
What is a critical access hospital?
-small community hospital with 24/7 emergency areas
Requirements to be considered a critical access hospital?
-25 beds or less
- >35 miles from another hospital
-24/7 emergency area
How do inter professional specialty teams work in emergency and trauma nursing
-respond to specific patient scenarios
-ex : STEMI team, rapid response team, code team
What is the environment like in the emergency department?
-fast-paced
-challenging
-stimulating
Why is it important for nurses to continuously monitor patients in the ED?
patient acuteness changes very rapidly
What are a few of the most common reasons patients seek care in the ED?
-abdominal pain
-breathing difficulties
-CP
-fever
-Head ache
-injuries (common in older adults due to falls)
-pain (the most common sx)
who are vulnerable populations seen as patients in the ED
-homeless/ poor
-mental illness pts
-substance abuse concerns
-older adults
What are reasons why a person experiencing homelessness may come to the ED?
-cannot be refused
-no insurance
-shelter and food
What is important to remember as a nurse in the ED when a patient is homeless?
-help them find resources in the community
-do not bring bias
Examples of members of the inter professional team we encounter in the ED?
-SANE nurses
-Psychiatric crisis nurse team
-ER physicians
-ED techs
-physician specialties (cardiologist, neurologist)
-NPs, PAs, Residents
Communication in emergency settings uses the _____ method
SBAR
-situation
-background
-assessment
-recommendation
Why is the SBAR method an efficient way to communicate?
-offers precise communication
-reduces confusion
-reduces med errors
Most medication errors are a result of?
poor communication
How to identify patients in the emergency room to maintain their safety?
-use ID bracelet
-use two identifiers (name and DOB)
If an identity is unknown or privacy is to be protected, what is used to identify patients in the ER?
-special identification systems
What is a very common injury for patients in the ED?
-skin breakdown, falls, errors, misidentifications
How to prevent injury to patients in the ED
-keep rails up on stretcher
-orient to call light
-have someone at the bedside for confused patients
-minimize risk of skin breakdown
-perform frequent skin assessments
How to prevent adverse events/ errors in the ED?
-get thorough patient and family hx
-check pt for med alert bracelet or necklace
-search belongings for weapons or drugs
How to prevent injury to staff working in the ED?
-use standard precautions
-anticipate hostile or violent behavior
-have a plan for violence
-contact security
Core competencies of the ED RN include?
-multitasking
-critical thinking
-priority setting
-adaptability
-time management
-documentation
-assessment
What kind of system is used to triage patients in the ED?
-3 tier system