Ms. Burns, a 23 year old woman, submitted a Health Service Request form for cold symptoms that had been ongoing for 2-3 days. She arrives for Nurse Sick Call and you immediately note two things – she is wearing “eye-liner” and her eyes are bloodshot. Ms. Burns tells you that she has been having symptoms for the last 48 hours,…
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Mr. Stone: Heat-Related Illness
Mr. Stone is a 32 year old male who arrived at the prison about 3 months ago from the county jail, where he had been incarcerated for the past 18 months. There, he was diagnosed with hypertension and anxiety, and has been adherent to his medication regimen of amlodipine and fluoxetine. He was enrolled in the facility chronic disease clinic…
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A Tale of Two Patients: Chest Pain
Mr. Sigmund History: 45 years old No history of Chronic Disease or past cardiac problems Tobacco smoker for 30 years, 1 pack per day Cocaine use “many years ago” Denies over-exertion like vigorous exercise or playing basketball on the yard Incarcerated 6 months Worked as a laborer on the street Symptoms: Started this afternoon Feeling pressure on chest Anxious –…
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Correctional Nurse Scope of Practice Scenario Two
To assist nurses, employers and patients, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has developed a Scope of Practice Decision-Making Framework to be used when determining whether a particular nursing activity is within the nurse’s scope of practice. It is very straightforward. Most states have implemented/recommended this decision-making algorithm, and I encourage all nurses to use it in…
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Correctional Nurse Scope of Practice Scenario One
To assist nurses, employers and patients, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has developed a Scope of Practice Decision-Making Framework to be used when determining whether a particular nursing activity is within the nurse’s scope of practice. It is very straightforward. Most states have implemented/recommended this decision-making algorithm, and I encourage all nurses to use it in…
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