Annotations
Aspinal, F., Gridley, K., Bernard, S., & Parker, G. (2012). Promoting continuity of care for people with long-term neurological conditions: the role of the neurology nurse specialist. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(10), 2309–2319. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05928.x
The article defines the nurse’s role in providing continuity of care for patients with long-term neurological illnesses. The duration of care for patients with long-term health problems involves cooperating with health, social care, and other services. A study by Aspinal et al. focuses on the fact that neurology nurse specialists must have sufficient knowledge in neurology and other areas to ensure continuous patient care. The researchers note that the nurse should act as an informant for patients and coordinate the care process for patients, collaborating with other services. Thus, the article updates the issues of the necessary skills that advanced nurse practitioners should have, particularly in the field of neurology.
Baker, M. (2012). Education requirements for nurses working with people with complex neurological conditions: Nurses’ perceptions. Nurse Education Today, 32(1), 71–77.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2011.01.011
This article focuses on the education and training registered nurses need to effectively provide services to patients with complex neurological disabilities. The researcher notes that nurses need additional knowledge in specific areas despite the high level of knowledge and training in the health sector. For example, Baker’s respondents note the need to train nurses to deal with complex patient behavior and interact with families. Thus, the study shows the need to change educational programs for nurses according to the skills necessary for a specialist to work effectively with a patient.
Brunker, C., & Harris, R. (2015). How accurate is the AVPU scale in detecting neurological impairment when used by general ward nurses? An evaluation study using simulation and a questionnaire. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 31(2), 69–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2014.11.003
In this study, Brunker and Harris evaluate the effectiveness of the Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive (AVPU) scale in diagnosing patients with neurological disorders based on simulations and a survey. The results showed that this method has low accuracy and does not always help to determine the patient’s real condition. Therefore, nurses cannot use this scale as the only way to diagnose patients with neurological conditions, especially in the early stages of the disease. However, this scale can be used with other diagnostic methods to determine changes in patient condition.
Choi, Y., & Kim, S. R. (2021). The effect of uncoated paper application on skin moisture, risk of pressure injury and incidence of pressure injury in neurologic intensive care unit patients: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 27(4), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12919
The article evaluates patient care practices, particularly the use of uncoated paper, and their impact on a person’s overall health. Different care methods were used for patients in the experimental and control groups, and a positive effect of using uncoated paper was revealed. It helps control skin moisture and reduces the risk of pressure injuries in patients in intensive care units. Thus, the study found that nurses can use uncoated paper to prevent the deterioration of patients’ conditions.
Ott-Ordelheide, P., & Noelle, R. (2014). Risk of suicide in neurological wards: Assessment and interventions. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 4(7), 41–48. https://doi.org/10.5430/jnep.v4n7p41
Ott-Ordelheide and Noelle note that patients with neurological disorders are more at risk of suicide. Therefore, the nurse’s task is to determine which patients are at risk and take the necessary actions to prevent suicide. To do this, nurses require knowledge in neurology and other skills necessary to identify patients at risk and communicate effectively with them. Thus, the article actualizes the need for additional knowledge and skills for practicing nurses.
Parsons, K. M. (2017). Acute neurologic changes in an otherwise healthy young adult. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 13(5), e249–e263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2017.01.005
This case study demonstrates the likelihood of developing neurological diseases in people who do not have common prerequisites and are not at risk. Various factors, including activities, can influence changes in the human neurological system. As demonstrated in the article, hyperventilation of the lungs as a result of spearfishing became the catalyst for the deterioration of the patient’s condition. The patient experienced general deterioration, including headaches, fatigue, mild nausea, and incoordination. The article raises questions about the need to inform patients about the possible risks to their health, even if the person, at first glance, seems relatively healthy.
Pickenbrock, H. M., Zapf, A., & Dressler, D. (2015). Effects of therapeutic positioning on vital parameters in patients with central neurological disorders: a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 24(23-24), 3681–3690. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.12990
The article analyzes the influence of positioning on basic vital parameters in disabled patients with central neurological disorders. Experiments and observations revealed that the patient’s positioning does not affect their breathing rate, heart rate, or blood pressure. However, Pickenbrock et al. note that positioning in neutral, although not having a significant impact on vital signs, may be more comfortable for the patient. In addition, the article notes that patient positioning can be used to prevent pressure injuries in patients.
Suzuki, M., Hatakeyama, T., Nakamura, R., Saiki, T., Kamisasanuki, T., Sugiki, D., & Matsushima, H. (2020). Serum magnesium levels and neurological outcomes in patients undergoing targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 46(1), 59–65.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2019.10.006
Despite magnesium’s overall positive protective effect on the neurological system, its role in patients with serious diseases of other systems is not fully established. Therefore, in their paper, Suzuki et al. assessed the effect of magnesium levels on the neurological system of patients undergoing targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest. The study showed that the level of magnesium for these patients could lead to undesirable neurological consequences. In contrast, the possibility of such consequences has not previously been established.
Comparative Critique of the Studies’ Findings
Thus, most researchers focus on two main aspects: the necessary knowledge and skills for nurses and patient care issues. Advanced nurse practitioners need to be highly knowledgeable not only about healthcare and medical services but also be able to interact with patients, families, and other services (Aspinal et al., 2012; Baker, 2012; Ott-Ordelheide & Noelle, 2014). In addition, caring for patients with neurological diseases requires additional knowledge to prevent possible deterioration of the patient’s condition.
In particular, Pickenbrock et al. (2015) and Choi and Kim (2012) note the risks of pressure injuries and the necessary actions to prevent them. In addition, Brunker and Harris (2015), Parsons (2017), and Suzuki et al. (2020) note the difficulties in diagnosing and identifying risk groups for patients with neurological diseases. Various factors can trigger changes in the neurological system, including the type of activity of the patient and the presence of other serious diseases. Therefore, these factors must be considered when diagnosing neurological disorders in the early stages.