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Pain is universally experienced and extremely complex, involving the mind as well as the body. It is activated by a variety of stimuli, including biological, physical and psychological. This article seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the physiology of pain and the various classifications used in clinical practice. It also aims to raise awareness of the skills that nurses require for the assessment and management of an individual patient's pain. It explores the tools available to assist with the assessment of pain and provides an introduction to some of the management strategies that can be used to manage pain. Some of the barriers to effective pain assessment and management are also examined.

This article will provide clinical guidance on carrying out venepuncture on an adult. It will discuss site, equipment selection and aseptic non-touch technique. The aims are to increase knowledge of the anatomical structures associated with venepuncture, demonstrate the clinical procedural technique of venepuncture, and provide an awareness of the dangers and complications of this invasive technique.

This article provides clinical guidance on performing cannulation on an adult. The site, equipment selection and aseptic non-touch technique will be discussed. The clinical procedural technique of cannulation will be explained and the article will also provide an awareness of the dangers and complications of this invasive technique for both the patient and the health professional.

This is the first of two articles providing an overview of the female reproductive system. This article looks at the internal organs associated with the female reproductive system, as well as the vulva. The author describes the relevant pathophysiology and provides an outline of disorders associated with these reproductive organs. The role of health professionals in managing and treating these disorders is discussed, and the importance of providing women-centred care highlighted. A case study and care plan is used to illustrate the importance of individualised care, including history taking, assessment of the presenting symptoms, treatment strategies, health education and advice on follow-up actions. A second article will provide an overview of breasts.

This article aims to provide background information on blood pressure. It outlines the anatomy and physiology associated with the skill of blood pressure measurement, and the varying techniques for taking blood pressure readings, both invasively and non-invasively. It further explains the steps for taking a manual blood pressure and provides top tips for carrying out this procedure in clinical practice.

The need to offer nutritional support to children and young people is commonplace for health professionals. This article explores the use and indication of nasogastric tubes (NGT) in children and young people, before explaining the process of inserting NGTs and the ongoing management of this method of nutritional support.

Part two of this series on the care of the surgical patient introduces readers to some of the additional risks associated with patients who are undergoing surgery and taking oral anticoagulants. It explores the use of vitamin K antagonists and heparin. Some of the management strategies and additional considerations that need to be addressed during the perioperative care continuum will also be discussed.

This article provides clinical guidance on the care of a patient undergoing an elective surgical procedure. It discusses preoperative care and the preparation of the patient. It aims to provide an awareness of the complications associated with perioperative care. Through the use of a patient case study, the authors demonstrate the care required across the full perioperative journey from diagnosis to discharge.

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are commonly used in the care of children both in the short term and long term. Health professionals providing care for children who have CVADs in place are required to have a clear understanding of the benefits and risks associated with their use. This article introduces the different types of CVADs commonly used in paediatrics and provides step-by-step guidance on the use and care of these devices., Competing Interests: Declaration of interest: none

The majority of cardiorespiratory arrests in children and infants are caused by respiratory insufficiency rather than cardiac problems; therefore, the order of delivering resuscitation is different to the delivery of basic life support to adults. The Nursing and Midwifery Council has stated that all nurses must be able to provide basic life support. This article will explain the process for recognising the need for, and delivering, basic life support to infants and children.