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 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.
Here NHF highlights the chapter “Introduction to von Willebrand Disease,” written by Mary Lesh, RN, MS, CPNP. The chapter serves as both an informative overview for nurses who are new to the condition and for those looking for a refresher. The author includes some historical background relevant to von Willebrand disease (VWD), plus a description of the signs and symptoms associated with its multiple types/subtypes. The chapter also covers the evaluation and laboratory testing used for VWD, which can, in some instances, be difficult to diagnosis. The chapter concludes with an explanation of the treatment options that would be incorporated into any considerations relevant to clinical management.
