What are some questionable/controversial/old-fashioned Nursing actions currently in use right now? I need to find a topic to write about. I don't have a lot of clinical experiences and really don't have the ability to tell if something is old or incorrect.
The examples that I was given to help direct my search are:
1. The use of chlorahexadine vs. betadine
2. Saline flushes vs. herparin for IV locks
3. The use of saline bullets for trach/ET suctioning
As you can see, the kind of topics I need are "this vs. that" or "do vs. do not". I'm having a very hard time with my private searching and thought I would ask more experienced nurses.
This is also my understanding. I think the rationale is that ALL of the medication will be delivered appropriately.
We had an inservice on this at the hospital one day. The bubble will go in after the Lovenox, and seal the injection site, keeping it from leaking back up and causing bleeding and bruising in the tissue around the injection.
Teds hose and compression socks vs not. I was recently at an evidence base counsel and an expert in the area said that studies show they don't make a difference, but yet it's part of most surgical protocols. I was kinda shocked! That might be an interesting one for you.
Specializes in Cardiology, Research, Family Practice.
I read something, years ago, that mentioned not doing this because your abd contents push up against your diaphram resulting in a barorecepter release.
I believe I got that right, but then again, I can't find the article.
Regarding trendelenberg (?): I too was taught that it messes with baroreceptors in the neck. Haven't looked for the article to back that up. Instead, just raise the FOB, keep HOB flat.
Another good one (and my FAVORITE): Don't give respirations when doing CPR in the field, chest compressions will suffice! YAY!!! (you can find this on AHA website). This almost came in handy for me on a recent trip to Mexico with fellow nurse friends. A very dirty and smelly drunk older man stumbled past us, going backwards (LMAO!), and fell hitting his head on the cobblestone. Hard. By the time we got to him, he finally came to, and got up and stumbled away. My friend said "Whew, I was preparing myself to have to give him mouth to mouth" and I was like, "That's ALL you girlfriend, I got compressions!!!!!"
Specializes in Home Health, LTC, Med-Surg, Correctional.
Re: lovenox. I remember reading instructions to leave the bubble at the plunger behind the medicine and push the plunger all the way down to ensure that the entire dose clears the needle prior to removal from the skin.
It might also be thought to reduce potential bruising (?).
I've seen many a nurse get the air bubble out prior to injecting.
That little bubble is nitrogen. It is not to be primed before injection because it helps with reducing bruising and bleeding after injection. Fun fact!
I also, am looking for an old intervention that is still being used, but doesn't have any EBP to follow it's purpose.
I have used Coke in a feeding tube. It's not recommended, but the MD stated to do what was necessary to prevent the patient from going back to the ED for a tube blockage. I have also heard to use meat tenderizer.
Specializes in Home Health, LTC, Med-Surg, Correctional.
I agree with the anti-Morphine idea. That little Oddi thing gets spasms everytime I have to take Morphine personally. The drug of choice at my hospital is Dilaudid, even though it is a derivative of Morphine.
I was thinking of maybe the new cpr rules. Apparently for 2010 it is Circulation, Airway and Breathing, if I am not mistaken instead of Airway, Breathing and Circulation. Just a thought.
nurse simmy
55 Posts
We had an inservice on this at the hospital one day. The bubble will go in after the Lovenox, and seal the injection site, keeping it from leaking back up and causing bleeding and bruising in the tissue around the injection.
For 10 points, what is the air bubble made of?
~Simmy