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.

Role of the addiction clinical nurse specialist in acute hospital settings

Why you should read this article: • To learn about general nurses’ experiences of caring for patients who misuse substances • To understand what the role of addiction clinical nurse specialist (ACNS) entails and its benefits • To recognise the potential barriers to implementing the ACNS role in hospital settings Background The role of an addiction clinical nurse specialist (ACNS) is focused on individuals who misuse drugs and alcohol, and several benefits of the role have been identified in the literature. When people who misuse substances are admitted to acute general hospitals, there is an opportunity to engage with them and ensure they access support services to facilitate their recovery. Aim To determine general nurses’ experience of caring for patients who misuse substances, and to gauge nurses’ views on the implementation of an ACNS role in an acute general hospital. Method This study used a qualitative design involving online interviews with 11 hospital nurses. Findings Many participants felt that an ACNS could provide them with education and support around substance misuse, while also advocating for patients who misuse substances, reducing stigma and enhancing patient care. Conclusion Participants indicated several benefits to implementing an ACNS role in their hospital, such as ensuring that patients who misuse substances experienced continuity of care which began at admission, was followed-up during inpatient stays and was maintained in the community.

29 Apr 2024

Impaired kidney function: supporting the safe use of medicines for patients

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the effects of kidney function impairment on pharmacokinetics • To recognise the factors to consider when prescribing and administering medicines to patients with acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease • To understand the nurse’s role in ensuring safe medicines use for patients with impaired kidney function Due to the increasing incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), nurses in most healthcare settings are likely to care for patients with some degree of impaired kidney function. Impaired kidney function can adversely affect the way the body excretes, absorbs, distributes and metabolises medicines (pharmacokinetics), potentially resulting in a wide range of drug-related complications. This article provides an overview of the effects of impaired kidney function on pharmacokinetics and the importance of accurate drug dose adjustments for patients with related conditions. It also discusses various aspects of medicines use in patients with AKI, the pharmacological management of patients with CKD and the use of immunosuppressive therapy in patients who have had a kidney transplant. The authors consider the role of the nurse in ensuring safe medicines use for patients with impaired kidney function throughout the article.

22 Apr 2024

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.

08 Apr 2024