Doctors Warn Not to Use Ipecac as Poison Remedy
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In the December, 2003 issue of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to avoid the poison remedy of ipecac syrup and instead call poison-control centers if a child ingests toxic substances. A related study in the same journal found that home use of Ipecac did not reduce emergency room visits or improve patient outcomes.
Poison control centers have found that using ipecac may cause prolonged vomiting and lethargy similar to drowsiness associated with drug overdoses. Ipacec syrup does not necessarily empty the stomach of poison; the poison may linger, causing the child to vomit other, more helpful, antidotes.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/
Does Avandia or Actos Increase Heart Failure Symptoms?
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In a recent study that included over 30,000 patients, researchers concluded that patients who use drugs classified as thiazolidinediones (TZD) have a 70% higher risk of experiencing heart failure. Nearly 9% of patients taking TZDs experienced heart failure compared to only 6%, which was the same incidence as patients using other antidiabetic medications.
The study recommends that TZDs should not be prescribed for patients with heart failure; however, if TZDs are prescribed, the dosing should be adjusted and carefully monitored. Patients with no history of heart failure taking TZDs should still be closely monitored for symptom development. To view the abstract or purchase the article go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query and search for article 14578227.
Nurse Advise Newsletter Free of Charge in 2004!!
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The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) will continue to publish and distribute Nurse Advise-ERR free of charge in 2004!! Through generous funding from Eli Lilly and Company the ISMP will continue to provide the newsletter and make 2003 issues available electronically.
Nurse Advise-ERR is a peer-reviewed newsletter intended to educate nurses about safe medication practices; readers are free to copy and distribute the information. With a few simple keystrokes you can register to receive the monthly newsletter at http://www.ismp.org/NursingArticles/index.htm. The newsletter also seeks anecdotal submissions about medication errors or error-avoidance practices. The ISMP encourages nurses to report medication errors by calling (800)-324-5723 ([800] Fail-Safe).
Cover the Uninsured Week-May 10-16, 2004
In 2003, more than 800 national and local organizations participated in Cover the Uninsured Week and raised the nation's awareness about the plight of America's uninsured. ANA and many CMAs participated in events that week. However, census data released in September notes that 43.6 million Americans are still without any type of healthcare coverage. With the number of uninsured growing, the campaign plans to redouble its efforts.
Former U.S. Surgeons General and Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have called on the nation to ensure all Americans have healthcare coverage. Cover the Uninsured Week will run from May 10-16, 2004. For more information about Cover the Uninsured Week 2004, visit http://www.CoverTheUninsuredWeek.org
It's a GEM of a Project
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In an effort to encourage high school and college-age students to choose a career in nursing the U.S. Department of Labor has launched the Group E-Mentoring (GEM) project. The GEM project centers on a Web site where students can log on and ask practicing nurses questions about the profession. The Daily Digest page allows students to as questions such as:
* How long does it take a nurse fresh out of school to adapt to working as a nurse?
* What makes a good nurse, a good nurse?
* Does actually working as a nurse help all the information you learned in school make sense?
The GEM community page allows individual nurses to create their own mentor profile and respond to student questions. In addition, the Web site provides information related to financing nursing school, highlights specialty practice areas, and includes features that stimulate the student's interest in nursing. For more details visit http://www.GEM-Nursing.org
Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut...
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New scientific research finds that eating nuts may reduce the risk of developing heart disease when consumed as a supplement to a heart healthy diet. Once thought taboo, recent studies have shown that snacking on a handful of nuts such as almonds can reduce cholesterol levels. The fat found in nuts is typically unsaturated or monosaturated, which should be substituted for saturated fats in the diet. In addition, other nutrients such as vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber are typically found in most nut varieties. Additional information about the health benefits of nuts and suggestions for increasing nuts as part of a heart healthy diet can be found at http://recipes.almondsarein.com or http://www.fda.gov
This month's Clipboard was coordinated by Stephanie Gaskell, MS, RN.