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44 Dry Eye Syndrome Part A – Text Booklet Text A Dry eye syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eyes. Consequences of dry eyes range from subtle but constant eye irritation to significant inflammation and even scarring of the front surface of the eye. […] More

Cochlear Implantation: Recommendations This technology appraisal examined the currently available devices for cochlear implantation. Unilateral cochlear implantation is recommended as an option for people with severe to profound deafness who do not receive adequate benefit from acoustic hearing aids. If different cochlear implant systems are considered to be equally appropriate, the least costly should be […] More

General Guidelines for Eye-drop Application These guidelines give general advice on how to use most eye drops. However, you may be given specific instructions which may vary from the advice below. After thoroughly washing your hands, sit or stand in front of a mirror. Bend your head backwards and gently pull your lower eyelid down. […] More

Steroid Nasal Sprays and Drops A steroid nasal spray usually works well to clear all the nasal symptoms such as itching or sneezing. It works by reducing inflammation in the nose. A steroid nasal spray also tends to ease eye symptoms although it is not clear how this occurs. However, they can take up to […] More

Japan Approves New Cell Therapy Trial for Spinal Cord Injury The Japanese government’s health ministry has given the go-ahead for a trial of human induced stem cells to treat spinal cord injury. The treatment will be tested in a handful of patients who suffered nerve damage in sports or traffic accidents. Researchers at Osaka University […] More

How to Assess a Peripheral Intravenous Cannula Most patients need at least one peripheral intravenous cannula during their hospital stay for intravenous fluids and medication, blood products or nutrition. Complications are common but they can be prevented or minimised by routine assessment. Explanations to patients should be provided, along with education about the treatment. Ensure […] More

Clinically Important Symptoms of PTSD People with clinically important symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) refer to those who are assessed as having PTSD on a validated scale, as indicated by baseline scores above clinical threshold, but who do not necessarily have a diagnosis of PTSD. They are typically referred to in studies that have […] More

Arterial Line Placement Arterial line placement is a common procedure in various critical care settings. Intra-arterial blood pressure measurement is more accurate than measurement by non-invasive means, especially in the critically ill. Intra-arterial blood pressure management permits the rapid recognition of changes that is vital for patients on continuous infusions of vasoactive drugs. Overall, arterial […] More

Know the Difference: Infiltration vs. Extravasation Intravenous infiltration is one of the most common problems that can occur when fluid infuses into the tissues surrounding the venipuncture site. This sometimes happens when the tip of the catheter slips out of the vein or the catheter passes through the wall of the vein. If you are […] More