Understanding oral mucositis and the principles of effective mouth care.

Mucositis involves an inflammation of the oral or gastrointestinal mucosa and is a common complication of cancer treatment. Mucositis is usually associated with high-dose chemotherapy, radiotherapy and, more recently, molecular targeted therapy. Oral mucositis refers specifically to inflammation and ulceration that occurs in the mouth.

How to take a patient's temperature.

Being able to accurately assess and record a patient's temperature is an essential nursing skill, and should be undertaken as part of a wider systematic assessment of the patient. Any concerns regarding individual recordings or trends should be escalated to other members of the healthcare team as appropriate. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can support you to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based.

X-rays: what the nurse needs to know.

Rationale and key points X-ray imaging is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is able to pass through the human body producing an image of the internal structures. X-rays are one of the main investigations for confirming a suspected diagnosis. Developing an understanding of the underlying mechanism and the rationale for requesting an X-ray will increase nurses' understanding of the process and enable improved patient preparation through explanation and reassurance.

Pulse oximetry: what the nurse needs to know.

Rationale and key points Measurement of peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO) is used to identify early hypoxia in patients and evaluate the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. Nurses should be aware of the procedure for using a pulse oximeter to measure SpO levels and the normal range for SpO readings. » A pulse oximeter is used to measure SpO levels, and involves placing a probe on the patient's finger, toe or ear lobe.

Sputum collection and analysis: what the nurse needs to know.

Rationale and key points Sputum is the term used to describe mucus that has been expectorated. It consists of secretions and other matter that has been coughed up from the lungs and large airways. This article informs nurses about how and why sputum collection and analysis are undertaken.

Measuring peak expiratory flow rate: what the nurse needs to know.

Rationale and key points This article provides information on monitoring a patient's peak expiratory flow rate. It explains the rationale for measuring the peak expiratory flow rate, provides guidance for nurses to undertake this investigation and offers advice on how to instruct patients in the use of this technique. » Measuring the peak expiratory flow rate is an inexpensive, straightforward and useful clinical investigation that enables fluctuations in the patient's respiratory effort to be monitored over time.

Nursing and Midwifery Council revalidation.

All UK nurses and midwives will be required to perform revalidation as part of their registration process, from April 2016. This entails a pre-determined number of practice hours and study time, reflection on practice, obtaining feedback on individual performance and confirmation of these achievements by a third party source. This article describes the actions nurses and midwives can take to fulfil their revalidation requirements.

Nursing care of patients with a temporary tracheostomy.

Safety considerations are important when caring for a patient with a temporary tracheostomy. Early detection and resolution of problems in tracheostomy management are important to prevent serious incidents arising. Nurses working outside critical care areas need to be competent and confident in the management or detection of potential problems with tracheostomies.

Diagnosis and management of patients with pleural effusions.

Pleural effusions occur when fluid accumulates between the visceral and parietal pleura in the chest cavity, preventing the lung from expanding fully during inspiration. The reduction in lung volume, depression of the diaphragm and reduced chest wall compliance cause dyspnoea, and occasionally pain or cough. Pleural effusion is a complex problem caused by a variety of conditions requiring different treatment depending on the underlying diagnosis.

Management of patients with empyema.

Empyema is the term used to describe an accumulation of pus in a body cavity such as the pleural space as a result of bacterial infection. The condition is serious because it is difficult for the immune system to resolve infection in this area. Empyema can be avoided by the use of appropriate antibiotic therapy and good aseptic technique when dealing with any situation that breaches the chest wall.

An introduction to thoracic surgery: assessment, diagnostics, treatment.

Thoracic surgery is an exciting and dynamic specialty. Many of the conditions treated can be regarded as life-limiting so practitioners require expert skills in communication as well as knowledge of the specific illnesses and complications that can arise. This article explains the types of surgery performed and discusses the factors that need to be taken into consideration before operating on malignant lung disease.

Changes in infection control practice to reduce MRSA infection.

An increase in the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) led to a review of infection control practice within the cardiothoracic directorate in a South London teaching hospital. Several changes in aspects of care were implemented including educational initiative, extension of the admission screening policy, a specific isolation nursing team and the development of a care pathway. This led to a considerable reduction in cross-infection rates.