title: Ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment of epidural abscess.
abstract: An epidural abscess, defined as a collection of pus between the dura mater of the spinal cord and the vertebral canal (Mosby, 2002), is a rare complication of epidural analgesia. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to a good outcome. If left untreated, an epidural abscess can result in permanent paralysis and incontinence. It is essential that nurses caring for patients receiving epidural analgesia are aware of this potential risk.
authors.affiliation: Pain Management Services, Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Murdoch
mesh_terms: D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000451:nursing; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods