Abdominal pain is perhaps one of the most frequent complaints listed on a Health Service Request Form in the correctional environment. Changes to routine and diet, stress, and the “unmasking” of symptoms as patients become “detoxed” from substances like alcohol and drugs may ... Read More about Abdominal Assessment for the Correctional Nurse
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Taser/Electronic Control Weapon Injury: The Stunning Truth
Taser/Electronic Control Weapons (ECW) injury often happens in jails, prisons, and in the community when individuals are being apprehended, and the correctional nurse often must address its physical and emotional effects. Here is the truth about Taser/ECW injury. Joyce is working at the local ... Read More about Taser/Electronic Control Weapon Injury: The Stunning Truth
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis: Inmate Bodybuilder Disaster
The majority of our correctional patients are still fairly young. Many of the youthful (and not-so-youthful) incarcerated individuals spend their available time in sports and bodybuilding activities. These individuals are prone to contracting exertional rhabdomyolysis ("Rhabdo"). Correctional nurses ... Read More about Exertional Rhabdomyolysis: Inmate Bodybuilder Disaster
ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENT WITH RHABDOMYOLYSIS
In our last post, we discussed the causes of Rhabdomyolysis and its presentation. In this post, we will discuss the the evaluation of the patient presenting with signs of rhabdomyolysis, including the subjective questions to ask and the objective assessment to perform. The classic triad of ... Read More about ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENT WITH RHABDOMYOLYSIS
Patient Advocacy for Correctional Nurses
The American Nurses Association (ANA) clearly identifies a professional nursing responsibility to protect the rights of patients through patient advocacy. In addition, the ANA Code of Ethics states that all nurses must care for patients “with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, ... Read More about Patient Advocacy for Correctional Nurses