hypercarbia, acidosis or even death

hypercarbia, acidosis or even death

4-Evidence based practice research has changed the field of nursing in many ways. It is one of the key principles in medicine today adhering to standards for high quality and safety, all while focusing on patients’ needs. Old practices may not work and need to change, evidence-based practice provides the latest research in improving these practices.

In emergency nursing, evidence-based practice is used daily. One very common practice is infection control. “This includes keeping the healthcare environment clean, wearing personal protective clothing, using barrier precautions and practicing correct handwashing” (Arkansas State University, 2016). Even though the emergency is very fast paced, nurses in my facility are very aware of infection control and make efforts to improve their infection control practices daily. Another evidence-based practice used frequently in the ED, is oxygen use in patients with COPD. “Despite the belief by some that providing oxygen to these patients can create serious issues such as hypercarbia, acidosis or even death, the evidence-based protocol is to provide oxygen to COPD patients. This practice can help prevent hypoxia and organ failure. Giving oxygen, which is the correct treatment based on the evidence, can enhance COPD patients’ quality of life and help them live longer” (Arkansas State University, 2016). It is very important that nurses know that giving to much oxygen can increase their respiratory drive, causing more distress, but some oxygen is key to helping improve the patients’ status.

Reference:

Arkansas State University (2016, December 20). 4 Examples of Evidence-Based Practice in

Nursing. Retrieved from https://degree.astate.edu/articles/nursing/examples-of-evidence-based-practice-in-nursing.aspx