Suffer the little children: the ancient practice of infanticide as a modern moral dilemma

Inherent in nursing practice is respect for human life. Traditionally, this respect has been guided by the sanctity-of-life principle as embraced by the Jewish and Christian faiths. However, there appears to be a shift in philosophical thought regarding the inviolability of human life in medical and nursing practice. The very notion of what constitutes human life is the subject of vigorous debate, both within and outside the hospital-institutional setting. The topic of infanticide is examined from traditional Jewish and Christian perspectives and contrasted with current philosophical thinking. Pediatric nurses are challenged to reflect on how this potential shift in values will affect their personal philosophy and professional practice.     

Suffer the children

The nation was shocked by the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbié who was murdered by her great aunt and her boyfriend in February 2000. Starved, beaten and forced to sleep in a bath while bound hand and foot, and tied up in a bin-bag, the Climbie Inquiry found Victoria had been let down by a 'gross failure of the system' that should have protected her.     

They Suffer in Silence

ABSTRACT

The literature on the impact of opioid pharmacotherapy on driving ability and safety is reviewed. Recommendations for safe driving while taking opioids and limitations of the data are discussed.     

The young ones

The teenage phenomenon began with the post-war consumer boom and loosening social rules. Young people carved out their own identity.     

EMG Levels in Children Who Suffer From Severe Headache

Very little information exists about the physiology of pediatric headache and in particular, the role that skeletal musculature plays in the genesis of head pain. This study explored EMG levels in the neck and forehead in a group of 12 children who complained of severe headache. Comparisons were made with a matched group of 12 children who were headache-free. Results suggested that children with headache suffer from very tense neck muscles which may reflect high levels of anxiety.     

A little learning

Diseases of the pituitary can have far-reaching effects but are often diagnosed late. The Society of Endocrinology offers a three-day specialist course. Education in endocrine disorders for nurses and doctors is lacking, with the exceptions of diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease. Specialist nurses are not always available.