The clinical areas covered in Independent Nurse reflect the wide variation of topics seen in primary care come on a daily basis. Each article covers practical advice and clear guidance that nurses can apply to their day-to-day practice.
Infection
Spotting Sepsis as early as possible: The key clinical symptoms that practice an community nurses can keep an eye out for to identify sepsis at the earliest possible stage.
Travel health
Lyme Disease at home as well as abroad: Lyme disease is far more common in the UK, then most people would expect. Nurses can advise patients on how to safely remove ticks and to report any incidences to Public Health England.
Nutrition
Spotting and treating malnutrition: A popular misconception is that malnutrition affects those only in poorer countries. However, disease-related malnutrition affects over three million adults in the UK and affects over 10 per cent of over 65s.
Public health
Addressing the phenomenol rise of Tuberculosis in the UK: Rates of TB are considered high in England compared with other Western European countries. Even though it is a curable and preventable disease, no country in the world has eradicated it yet.
Women's health
Combating postnatal depression in the perinatal period: Research shows that one in 10 new mothers will suffer from PND and that one in four women will still be depressed at their child's first birthday. Health visitors and midwives are crucial to supporting mothers to reduce these high rates.
Men's health
Prostate cancer: new guidelines: Ian Peate discusses the important developments and improvements in how men with prostate cancer are treated.
Respiratory
Improving asthma management: Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in the UK and practice, school and community nurses will see asthma at all levels of severity and need to be able to deal with each case individually.
Diabetes
Managing the diabetic foot: Diabetes comes with a range of side effects including diabetic foot, which is mainly managed in primary care. If it is not managed effectively it can lead to unnecessary amputation.
Dermatology
Managing a case of childhood atopic eczema effectively: Eczema usually develops in early childhood and there has been a steep rise in the number of children experiencing it. Nurses can help to mange it, by identifying the triggers and prescribing the appropriate medicines to make it less uncomfortable.
Woundcare
Assessing and managing skin tears in older people: Elderly skin is delicate and can be susceptible to skin tears through wheelchair injuries, removal of adhesive tapes or dressing, transfers and falls. Primary care nurses must be able to confidently and competently manage skin tears.