How to undertake intravenous infusion calculations
Understand the role of the nurse in reducing medication errors
13 Jan 2020
How to
How to care for patients undergoing paracentesis for the drainage of ascites
The nurse’s role in monitoring the patient and administering treatment
28 Oct 2019
How to undertake oral medicines calculations
Understanding your role in reducing medication errors
28 May 2019
How to undertake a blood component transfusion
Learn about patient identification, blood component checks and reducing potential hazards
30 Jul 2018
How to assist in emergency tracheal intubation
Promoting a team approach to the procedure, which ensures risks to patients are minimised
12 Jul 2018
How to record a 12-lead electrocardiogram
ECG can assist in diagnoses of arrhythmias, hypertension, heart disease or heart failure
20 Apr 2018
How to undertake venepuncture to obtain venous blood samples
Identifying a suitable vein and the appropriate needle or butterfly device for the procedure
14 Mar 2018
How to undertake a nutritional assessment in adults
Using a structured approach and a variety of skills to determine nutritional status
24 Jan 2018
How to undertake a root cause analysis investigation to improve patient safety
Determining how and why a patient safety incident has occurred
10 Jan 2018
How to administer an insulin injection
Rationale and key points Effective insulin injection technique is essential to ensure optimal management of diabetes. Those who administer insulin should understand how it works, in particular its link to blood glucose levels. This article outlines how to administer an insulin injection, including: the competencies healthcare practitioners require to undertake this procedure; the steps they should undertake to safely administer insulin; and the evidence base supporting safe and effective insulin injection. » Insulin can be injected using either an insulin pen or a syringe and vial. There are various insulin regimens available, such as basal only, basal-bolus and mixed insulin. » Potential insulin injection sites include the abdomen, thighs, buttocks or arms. The presence of lipohypertrophy at an insulin site indicates that another site should be used. » Insulin should be injected into the subcutaneous tissue at a 90-degree angle. The skin should be raised to reduce the risk of injecting into the muscle; however, this risk is reduced with the use of shorter needles. Reflective activity ‘How to’ articles can help update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: 1. How you think you could use this article to improve your practice in administering insulin injections. 2. How you could use this resource to educate your colleagues about administering insulin injections.
13 Dec 2017
How to auscultate for heart sounds in adults
Rationale and key points This article aims to improve nurses’ knowledge and understanding of the procedure for auscultating heart sounds in adults, as part of a cardiovascular examination. It focuses on auscultating normal heart sounds; it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss the pathophysiology of abnormal findings. » A stethoscope is used to auscultate for heart sounds. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is used to identify high-pitched sounds, while the bell is used to identify low-pitched sounds. » There are two normal heart sounds that should be elicited in auscultation: S1 (lub) and S2 (dub). » The practitioner should listen over each of the four main heart valve areas: the aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid and mitral valve areas. They should also listen for any additional sounds such as clicks, and heart murmurs. Reflective activity ‘How to’ articles can help update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: » How you think you could use this article to improve your practice in undertaking cardiac examinations. » How you could use this resource to educate your colleagues about auscultating for heart sounds.
27 Sep 2017
How to administer lidocaine in wounds
Rationale and key points Before a wound can be cleaned and/or closed, the use of a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine is often required to enable the nurse to assess the wound thoroughly and plan the optimal method of repair. This article explains how to administer lidocaine safely and effectively, including how to infiltrate a wound with lidocaine before cleaning or suturing. There are potentially serious consequences associated with the use of local anaesthesia, but careful preparation will ensure patient safety and contribute towards a positive patient experience. » The nurse should have an understanding of how lidocaine functions, the speed at which it will take effect, and the duration of the mode of action. » The nurse should have knowledge and awareness of the risks associated with the use of lidocaine to ensure patient safety. » The nurse should prepare the equipment and the patient for the procedure. Reflective activity How to articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: 1. How this article might improve your practice. 2. How you could use this information to educate your patients and colleagues on the appropriate technique for administering lidocaine in wounds.
20 Sep 2017
How to use a corticosteroid nasal spray
Rationale and key points This article outlines the appropriate and effective technique for...
23 Aug 2017
How to perform nasal douching
Rationale and key points This article provides information on nasal douching, which nurses...
02 Aug 2017
How to set up and administer an enteral feed via a nasogastric tube
Rationale and key points Nasogastric tube feeding is a method of enteral feeding commonly...
05 Jul 2017
How to assist patients with sit-stand transfers
Rationale and key points This article discusses optimal methods for assisting patients with...
10 May 2017
How to use an automated external defibrillator following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Rationale and key points This article provides an overview of the skills required to safely...
05 Apr 2017
How to promote patients’ sleep in hospital
Rationale and key points Disturbed or disrupted sleep is associated with adverse effects on...
08 Mar 2017