Novel Variation in the External Carotid Artery: Implications for Clinical and Surgical Practice.

The external carotid artery (ECA) is a major branched artery that supplies head and neck structures. An undocumented variation of the ECA was discovered during cadaveric dissection of the anterolateral cervical region, in which a common origin for the ascending pharyngeal, facial, and lingual arteries was identified. In addition, bilateral, duplicate ascending pharyngeal arteries (APAs) were identified at the aforementioned common trunk and the bifurcation of the external and internal carotid arteries.

Developing the recognition and response skills of student nurses.

Acute deteriorations in health occur in all healthcare settings. Every health professional must therefore have the knowledge and skills to recognise and respond effectively to acute illness, in order to avert further deterioration. It is widely acknowledged that a robust understanding of physiological observations, in addition to effective interpretation and clinical decision-making skills, is required for this task (Odell et al, 2009; Steen, 2010).

Utilizing physiological knowledge to care for acute renal failure.

Nursing can play a pivotal role in promoting positive outcomes in patients who are both at risk of, and experiencing, an episode of acute renal failure (ARF). ARF is potentially recoverable to the extent that 94% of survivors have the potential to be dialysis independent. This article highlights the positive impact ward-based nurses can have on this group of patients through the use of a commonly encountered clinical scenario.

Improving glycaemic control in a metabolically stressed patient in ICU.

This article describes a clinical experience where the careful application of problem-solving skills has resulted in positive changes in glycaemic care in a critical care environment. The metabolic stress response to trauma injuries leads to episodes of hyperglycaemia. The application of a problem-solving process has resulted in greater understanding of best practice of the management of this problem.