Food allergies can be a real challenge for correctional nurses. It is important to document these allergies during intake screenings and put safeguards in place to avoid allergic reactions behind bars. However, incarcerated individuals can report food allergies that are really preferences (I’m allergic to bologna sandwiches) or food intolerances (I’m allergic to onions). How can true allergies be sorted…
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Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Unexplained Unconsciousness: Consider Drug Overdose!
Mr. Foster had a difficult time withdrawing from heroin when he was admitted to the jail 10 days ago on a burglary charge. He was stealing to meet the demands of his 5-bag a day heroin habit. A man-down emergency was just called for his housing unit and you respond and find Mr. Foster unconscious and barely breathing. His cellmate…
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Correctional Nurse Practice Update: Dental Evaluation – Is This Normal?
It is well known that FBI agents entering the counterfeit currency division spend a lot of time studying bills. At first, you might think they would study all the various ways that currency could be faked, but, instead, they first learn to be experts at the real thing. Then, it is easy to spot the phony bills. What does this…
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