Clinical
Our clinical nursing articles aim to inform and educate nurse practitioners and students. This is achieved through the publication of peer-reviewed, evidence-based, relevant and topical articles.
Obsessive compulsive disorder: overview of the condition and its nursing management
Why you should read this article: • To recognise the aetiology and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) • To remember that in some people OCD can involve significant suicidal ideation • To familiarise yourself with the available treatments for OCD, including cognitive behavioural therapy and pharmacological options Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex condition characterised by intrusive and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions). The symptoms of OCD cause significant distress and anxiety and can have a debilitating effect on a person’s daily functioning. This article gives an overview of OCD, including its prevalence, aetiology, symptoms and treatment strategies, with the aim of enhancing nurses’ understanding of the condition and its adverse effects on a person’s life. The author also discusses some of the ways in which nurses in any setting can support a person with OCD.
How relational leadership can enhance nurses’ well-being and productivity
Recognise the benefits and challenges of implementing this type of leadership in nursing
Nutritional and hydration interventions for people with dysphagia
How nurses can support patients to minimise the effects of the condition
Using the NEWS2 and ABCDE assessment to identify early signs of clinical deterioration
Understand the early physiological signs to ensure timely escalation of patient care
Peripheral neuropathic pain: supporting patients with self-management
Recognise non-pharmacological interventions and how to provide information and advice
The role of decontamination in reducing healthcare-associated infections
Recognise the most common HCAIs, decontamination methods, and legislation and guidance
Enhancing communication in nursing and multiprofessional healthcare teams
How interpersonal relationships and organisational culture can affect team communication
Effects of climate change on the health of children and young people
How it can affect their physical and mental health, and how nurses can offer support
Health promotion: reconfiguring nurses’ practice to reduce social inequalities
Moving towards a wider consideration of structural factors affecting patients’ health
Online spaces and the control of communicable diseases: implications for nursing
The benefits and challenges of using online spaces such as social media platforms
Improving nurse productivity: using evidence to enhance nurses’ use of time
Recognise various approaches that may assist in optimising time usage
Analysing arterial blood gas results using the RoMe technique
A simplified approach to ABG analysis using three main values