Erythrocyte sedimentation test as an aid to diagnosis
Article Abstract:
The erythrocyte sedimentation test (ESR) involves taking a blood sample and measuring the rate at which the red blood cells separate out from the blood plasma. The blood separates faster in patients with medical disorders. The blood is put in a bottle with anticoagulant and after standing for one hour, the distance of separation is measured. Details of the test procedure are given, plus the medical conditions which can be detected with the ESR test. The C-reactive protein test and plasma viscosity tests are replacing the ESR test because they are more accurate and quicker.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A nursing model of overdose assessment
Article Abstract:
A model of assessment in the care of a person who has attempted suicide by overdose comprises engaging the patient and listening attentively to their problems; assessing the critical and therapeutic elements of the suicide attempt to help the patient achieve a sense of personal containment; and helping to identify and solve the patient's specific problems. The patient should be helped to understand the overdose, suicidal intent should be assessed, the patient's mental state ascertained, problems identified, coping resources noted and proactive coping strategies developed.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Measurement of aspirin and paracetamol metabolites
Article Abstract:
The number of paracetamol overdoses has risen during recent years, although the number of aspirin overdoses has fallen. A 3-5 ml blood sample is required for measurement of salicylate and paracetamol and this is related to the time of ingestion, predicting a likely outcome. Early administration of N-acetylcysteine, an antidote can restore glutathione levels in the case of paracetamol overdose.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: The undoing of a diagnosis: the effect of a misdiagnosis of a disease. Tuberculosis screening at 2 San Diego high schools with high-risk populations
- Abstracts: Pediatrician and compounding pharmacist: a dangerous liaison. Parental human immunodeficiency virus infection: new challenges for the pediatrician
- Abstracts: Preventing factitious gingival injury in an autistic patient. Treating the oral sequelae of an acoustic neuroma
- Abstracts: In search of the pioneers of nurse-led care. Using qualitative research in community nurse casework