The National Hemophilia Foundation’s (NHF) Nursing Working Group has been revising and expanding the Nurses’ Guide to Bleeding Disorders (NGBD). First published in 1995, the guide provides comprehensive information and practical ideas to assist nurses at all levels in caring for patients with bleeding disorders.
Over the last several years, the NGBD has further evolved into a readily accessible online resource, serving as an introduction to nurses new to coagulation and as an information source for more experienced nurses. New chapters, which continue to be added in downloadable PDF format, cover a wide range of topics such as hepatitis, orthopedics, pain, rare bleeding disorders and women with bleeding disorders.
“Introduction to Bleeding Disorders,” written by Dawn Banks, RN (originally authored by Regina B. Butler, RN), provides an overview of hemophilia A and B. The chapter begins with a description of the mechanisms behind clot formation, including the key role played by the factor proteins of the clotting cascade. The author then touches on a series of relevant topics such as inheritance, carrier testing, prenatal diagnosis, bleeding manifestations and treatment. The chapter concludes with an explanation of the clinical necessity behind comprehensive care, with particular emphasis on the role of the hemophilia treatment center (HTC) nurse.
