Article Abstract:
Nurses should be aware of the hazards associated with radiation exposure when caring for patients receiving radiotherapy. Lead shielding offers protection from secondary or scattered radiation, but this is not complete. It is vital that all staff occupationally exposed to radiation are monitored, and nurses should ensure that their film badge accurately represents their own radiation exposure. Dosimeter reports should be checked each month. Lead glasses are recommended for staff within 1 mt of the main beam, especially if they are scrubbed up.
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Article Abstract:
Nurses should consider crossdisciplinary arrangements, allowing them to receive supervision from practitioners working in a different area of health care or in a non-health care environment. Such arrangements can be effective in eliminating barriers between different areas of care, and can also give nurses new ideas for developing the care they provide. Nurses should think about the issues they feel they would like to address in a supervision arrangement, and consider what benefits and problems could occur with external supervision.
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Article Abstract:
An elderly patient with long-term health problems who sustains a fractured hip may initially be disoriented and confused. Immediate issues such as pain, hypothermia and dehydration must be addressed, and it is important to monitor vital signs such as pulse and blood pressure. An X-ray is required to confirm the type and position of fracture, and it may be appropriate to undertake chest radiography before a general anaesthetic is given.
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