Emergency Nursing Universal Goals

Emergency Nursing Skills and Goals

• Proficient in managing patients without a clear diagnosis, spanning all age groups from infants to the elderly.
• Four universal goals of emergency nursing: Care Provider, Educator, Manager, Advocate.
• Objectives include establishing partnerships with patients, promoting independence, enabling self-care, and ensuring the effectiveness of nursing and treatment.

Scope and Practice of Emergency Nursing

• Involves assessment, nursing diagnosis, intervention planning, and evaluating patient outcomes.
• Challenges include limited access to medical histories and the episodic nature of healthcare.
• Continuous education is crucial for addressing community needs and promoting equitable healthcare access.

Advanced Practice in Emergency Nursing

• Clinical Nurse Specialists and Nurse Practitioners are valued in emergency settings.
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses have in-depth expertise and manage complex clinical issues.

All-Hazards Preparedness

• All-hazards planning should start at home, emphasizing coordinated responses for mass casualty events.
• Planning should utilize a community-wide strategy linking local to national resources.
• Active participation in drills by emergency nurses is vital for effective disaster response.
• All-hazards strategies must consider diverse populations and individual age groups.

Issues in Emergency Nursing Care

• Ethico-moral challenges, such as advance directives that guide care when patients cannot make decisions.
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders indicate that CPR should not be performed in cardiac arrest situations.
• Duty to Act mandates that healthcare providers take necessary actions to prevent harm.

Consent and Emergency Doctrine

• Informed consent requires clients to understand and agree to treatments, but is only valid if they are of sound mind.
• Emergency Doctrine allows treatment without consent in life-threatening situations if the patient would consent if able.

Privacy, Confidentiality, and Reporting

• Privacy must be maintained by restricting access to authorized personnel.
• Mandatory reporting laws require healthcare professionals to report specific incidents, like communicable diseases.

Handling Physical Evidence and Safety Precautions

• Physical evidence must be carefully recorded and maintained during examinations.
• Non-restraint techniques should be prioritized; restraints should only be used when absolutely necessary.

Addressing Violence in the Emergency Department

• Safety protocols include maintaining a safe distance from potentially violent patients and avoiding items that could be used against staff.
• In emergencies involving gunfire, priority is given to staff safety before providing care to injuries.

Providing Holistic Care in Crises

• Acknowledge that patients and families experience anxiety and fear during medical emergencies.
• Addressing these feelings through anxiety reduction strategies is critical for coping.
• Close observation and security presence are essential in managing potential violence.

Assisting Families With Sudden Death

• Key actions include guiding families to a private space to grieve, fostering open communication about the deceased, and reassuring them of the care provided.
• Encourage family discussions about their emotions, the deceased, and their needs.
• Allow family members to see the body if they wish, while being mindful of their emotional state.

Communication and Support

• Maintain open lines of communication and offer emotional support to families during crises.
• Provide reassurance and clear information about the treatment rendered and care processes.

Explore the four universal goals of emergency nursing, focusing on roles such as care provider, educator, manager, and advocate. This quiz is designed for nursing students and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of effective emergency care principles.