Biomedical subjects

Carol V Harvey

Publications and source records attributed to Carol V Harvey.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Palliative care: a challenge for orthopaedic nursing care.

Patients who face chronic, incurable, or life-ending musculoskeletal conditions often receive inadequate care either due to a lack of caregiver awareness or inattention to maintaining the highest quality at the end of life. Palliative care focuses on the comprehensive physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and existential needs of patients with life-threatening or debilitating illness. Orthopaedic nurses and all nurses in general are challenged to incorporate palliative care principles into care planned with patients and families facing end-of-life issues. This article addresses the leadership role the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) has taken to develop a consensus document which endorses the Last Acts Precepts of Palliative Care and affirms the need for palliative care with patients who experience life-threatening illness. A case study is used to illustrate the opportunity a multidisciplinary team has to center care on the individual, while remaining sensitive to the holistic needs of the patient for self-determination at the end of life.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Spinal surgery patient care.

Care of the patient experiencing spinal surgery requires clear understanding of the normal anatomy, physiology, and functioning of the spine, as well as the effect of back pain and disability on human responses. Nurses must consider key assessments and interventions preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively to provide holistic care and recognize potential complications. Interdisciplinary care priorities with spinal surgery patients are addressed to promote uncomplicated rehabilitation and promotion of quality activities of daily living.

Back Pain↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Complications.

In orthopaedics, there are many potential complications that may either be life-threatening or limb-threatening. Fat embolism, pulmonary embolism, and even hemorrhage may be life-threatening. Acute compartment syndrome, infection, and malunion or nonunion of a fracture can lead to loss of a limb or impaired limb functioning. Pain, if unrelieved, may cause physical and psychosocial impairment and is a priority concern from the patient's perspective. This guide is designed for the orthopaedic care provider to serve as a quick reference when reviewing these complications. It may be used as an educational tool in a handout or an enlarged poster format as a reminder of what to assess, what diagnostic tests to anticipate, and what interventions are necessary in these situations. Promotion of understanding of orthopaedic complications is important for their prevention, early recognition, and effective treatment to promote positive patient outcomes.

Compartment Syndromes↗