Golden rules of emergency nursing
1- An emergency is an emergency. It is only not an emergency in retrospect!
2- There is no such thing as a ‘minor’ injury. Behind any so-called ‘minor’ presentation there may be a ‘major’ one masquerading.
3- Remember that what looks trivial to you may have significant ramifications for the patient.
4- Don’t forget the fundamentals—communication and observation.
5- Monitors are an adjunct—nurse the patient not the monitor.
6- If you don’t like the patient spend twice as long with them’—that way you will minimize mistakes.
7- There is no such thing as a poor historian’—it is probably your inability to elicit the history.
8- A fall is only a fall after a collapse has been ruled out.
9- It may be a common injury or illness to you—remember it may be a first for the patient and carers.
10- Have a plan for the worst possible scenario—anything less is a bonus!
11- Expect the unexpected.
12- If the patient says they feel like they are going to die, believe them and do something about it!
13- Common things are common but they can still kill you—you can bleed to death from your nose or a large scalp laceration!
14- The patient is not drunk until they have experienced the hangover—do not be misled by the smell of alcohol.
15- In a woman of child-bearing age with abdominal pain—actively rule out ectopic pregnancy.
16- In all unwell patients—Don’t Ever Forget Glucose (DEFG).
17- When caring for children, toys and distraction are essential tools.
18- Do not attribute hyperventilation to hysteria until underlying pathology has been ruled out.
19- Do not dismiss or trivialize the frequent attender. They may have an underlying illness.
20- Ensure patients re-presenting with the same complaint are seen by someone senior.
Crouch, et al. (2009)
Nice
ReplyDeleteWeldon
ReplyDeleteWell done
ReplyDelete