I am a charge nurse on a skilled unit. We do not take photos of wounds, but I would really like to take pictures. As they say a picture is worth a 1,000 words. Do you agree?
Ask the care expert … about fecal containment systems
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Aug 01, 2013
Are you aware of any type of fecal containment system that may assist us with very loose stools that keep contaminating sacral ulcers?
Ask the care expert … about unused medications
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Jul 01, 2013
I am getting mixed information from experienced staff members as to what has been passed along by our pharmacy company about discharging patients with their controlled and scheduled medications. No one...
Ask the care expert … about the Morse Fall Scale
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Jun 01, 2013
What is the Morse Fall Scale, and how it is different from others? Nursing fall-risk assessment, diagnoses and interventions are based on use of the Morse Fall Scale. The MFS requires systematic, reliable...
Ask the care expert … about tracking pressure ulcer prevalence
By
Sherrie Dornberger
May 01, 2013
Our facility tracks facility-acquired pressure ulcers, but I would also like to report pressure ulcer prevalence among the residents. I am not clear about the terms, definitions or correct process to calculate...
Ask the care expert … about gait belts and infection control
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Apr 01, 2013
We use gait belts at my building. We assign a gait belt to an aide who uses them the entire shift. Do you think with all of the infection prevention techniques we should change our policy?
Ask the care expert … about screening for sex offenders
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Mar 02, 2013
Our facility has been doing more screening for new employees to protect our residents and current staff. We were thinking about checking potential employees to be sure they are not on a sex offender website....
Ask the Care Expert … about space heaters in SNFs
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Feb 01, 2013
We have a family that insists on bringing in a space heater for their mom’s room during the winter to “make her happy.” Are space heaters permitted in rooms in skilled facilities such...
Ask the resident care expert: Should I have been surprised about a tetanus vaccination for a resident...
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Dec 02, 2012
No, you should not be surprised at all. Tetanus is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani.
Ask the care expert: Should signs be used to identify patients with C.diff?
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Nov 01, 2012
The answer to this question is that signage can be used and is expected.