Posted by Terry8 on June 15, 2011, at 6:52:46
In reply to Drug Combos Can Be Serious Nurses Treat In ICU, posted by phillipa on June 14, 2011, at 21:19:05
Wonder why this article doesn't mention docs. Seems RN's are now even diagnosing. Phillipa
>The article seems to be aimed at educating nurses about toxidromes, so there doesn't seem to be any need to mention docs. ER nurses triage patients, gather essential information, and communicate it to doctors, who use this information to make their diagnoses. They may also further explain the doctor's diagnoses to the patient. Such as mentioned here:
"Nurses with an understanding of toxidromes can play a significant role in educating patients about the potential for adverse effects and toxicity associated with their particular medications and medical conditions, and can teach them to watch for early signs that a toxidrome is developing.
Appropriate monitoring of patients at high risk for toxicity-related complications, and heightened awareness of the effects and symptoms that are expected will enhance early recognition of problems. Early identification of complications will hopefully result in rapid initiation of appropriate treatments and therapies, which will, in turn, result in improved patient outcomes."
That doesn't mean that RNs are diagnosing and doctors have been cut out of the picture entirely. It just means educating nurses about this condition can improve the quality of care a patient receives.
poster:Terry8
thread:988139
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110610/msgs/988186.html