Journal of Medical Surgical Nursing Practice and Research

Pseudohyperkalemia: A Critical Nursing Alert in Clinical Practice

2026-04-09T06:59:27+00:00

Pseudohyperkalemia is a laboratory artifact characterized by falsely elevated serum potassium levels due to in vitro release of potassium during or after blood collection. It is a clinically significant issue that may lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment if not recognized promptly. This article explores the causes, mechanisms, and clinical implications of pseudohyperkalemia, with a special emphasis on nursing responsibilities and alerts during blood sampling and patient care. Key causes include hemolysis, prolonged tourniquet application, fist clenching, thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, and improper sample handling. Clinical differentiation from true hyperkalemia relies on the absence of symptoms, normal electrocardiographic findings, and inconsistency with the patient's condition. Nurses play a vital role in minimizing pre-analytical errors by adhering to proper venipuncture techniques, ensuring appropriate sample handling, and recognizing suspicious laboratory results. The findings highlight that improved nursing awareness and adherence to evidence-based practices can significantly reduce the incidence of pseudohyperkalemia. Incorporating nursing alerts into routine clinical practice enhances patient safety, prevents unnecessary interventions, and promotes accurate clinical decision-making.

Case Report on Laryngeal Adenoid Cystic Cancer

2026-02-24T07:14:08+00:00

Less than 1% of all head and neck malignancies are adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs), which are present in 0.07–0.25% of all laryngeal tumors. ACC is a relatively uncommon tumor with a predominantly hypoglottic laryngeal location. Hoarseness and dyspnea are common side effects of ACC, which is a tumour that grows slowly and frequently recurs. Pain is a common secondary complaint in patients with ACC of their condition because of its tendency towards perineural invasion. The most frequent location for distant metastases, which affect 35–50% of patients, is the lungs. The majority of cancers are found via physical examination, fiberoptic evaluation, and CT scans of the neck and chest since the lungs are common places for metastases. Since lung metastases are frequent, fibrocopy, computed tomography of the neck and chest, physical examination, and other diagnostic techniques are frequently used to detect tumors. Radiation therapy is typically used after surgery for ACC patients. This paper presents a 70-year-old patient who had adjuvant radiation and had total laryngectomy with bilateral neck dissection for laryngeal ACC. Two years following the surgery, a follow-up examination turned up no signs of distant metastases or locoregional recurrence. A review of previously published research on laryngeal ACC was also conducted.

Integration of Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence in Nursing: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence

2026-04-06T11:17:58+00:00

Digital health and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are increasingly transforming healthcare delivery, with a profound impact on the nursing profession. The adoption of AI-driven technologies in nursing practice has strengthened clinical decision-making, improved patient monitoring, and enhanced overall healthcare efficiency. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of digital health and AI in nursing, highlighting key applications, benefits, challenges, and future directions. Existing literature demonstrates that AI plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes, minimizing workload, and optimizing operational processes within healthcare systems. By enabling data-driven insights and automation of routine tasks, AI supports more effective and timely care delivery. Despite these advantages, several challenges must be addressed to ensure safe and effective implementation. Ethical concerns, data privacy and security issues, and the need for adequate training and digital competencies among nurses remain significant barriers. Therefore, the integration of AI into nursing practice should be approached thoughtfully, ensuring that technological advancements complement rather than replace the humanistic and compassionate nature of nursing care.

Acute Febrile Neutrophilic Dermatosis (Sweet Syndrome)

2026-01-07T08:44:15+00:00

Background: Sweet syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) is an inflammatory, neutrophil-predominant dermatosis that presents with abrupt onset of painful erythematous papules/plaques, fever and systemic symptoms. It may be idiopathic, drug-induced, or associated with systemic disease (including hematologic malignancy). Early recognition avoids unnecessary antibiotic exposure and enables targeted therapy.

Case Summary: Mr. X, a 35-year-old man, presented with 14 days of fever, chills, cough and painful erythematous papular rash of the upper limbs and face. Skin biopsy from an erythematous plaque on the left palm showed a dense neutrophilic dermal infiltrate with papillary dermal edema and leukocytoclasis without vasculitis. Lab tests revealed leukocytosis (WBC 14,760/mm³) with neutrophilia. Infectious and serologic screens (dengue, leptospira, hepatitis B/C, HIV, VDRL, Salmonella) were negative. He received IV fluids, empiric antibiotics, symptomatic/supportive therapy and topical agents with gradual clinical improvement. Histopathology plus clinical picture established the diagnosis.

Conclusion: This case illustrates a classical sweet syndrome presentation and highlights the importance of histopathology, consideration of underlying triggers (infectious, drug, or paraneoplastic) and that systemic corticosteroids remain first-line treatment when infection has been excluded. Multidisciplinary follow-up (dermatology, hematology) and targeted screening for malignancy are recommended.

Non-Functioning Kidney in an Older Adult: A Geriatric Nephrectomy Case Report

2026-01-14T11:24:25+00:00

This case study presents a geriatric patient diagnosed with a non-functioning kidney and managed successfully through nephrectomy. The objective of this report was to assess the health condition of the elderly patient, identify contributing factors, establish accurate nursing diagnoses, and implement comprehensive, evidence-based nursing care to promote recovery and improve quality of life. Data were collected through patient interviews, physical examination, diagnostic investigations, and perioperative observation. The patient presented with chronic unilateral flank pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, generalised weakness, and reduced functional capacity. Diagnostic evaluation revealed a contracted, poorly functioning kidney with compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney. Predisposing factors included advanced age, long-standing hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and recurrent infections. Following multidisciplinary evaluation, elective nephrectomy was performed. Nursing care focused on preoperative preparation, postoperative monitoring, pain management, infection prevention, early mobilization, and patient education. The patient showed satisfactory postoperative recovery with stabilization of renal parameters and improvement in functional status. This case highlights the critical role of geriatric-focused nursing care and multidisciplinary collaboration in managing complex renal conditions among older adults