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CARDIOGENIC SHOCK AND CRITICAL THINKING

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Scenario : Mrs. R is a 48 year-old female who has a history of a previous  myocardial infarction . She was admitted 2 days  ago with mild chest pain. She was resting comfortably when she suddenly started feeling short of breath. She is  anxious   and calls the nurse. What actions did the nurse take? -The nurse reassures Mrs. R. She does an assessment, vital signs , and  oxygen saturation.  She gives  oxygen  per protocol. -The nurse notifies the doctor of what has occurred and her assessment findings. She also mentions the vital signs, low oxygen saturation, and steps that were taken to correct the saturation. The doctor gives further orders, including a transfer to  CCU. Why  chest pain  assessment? It must be remembered that a patient with heart damage  will also experience chest pain.  Assessment  of the pain should also be included. This may be sharp, with radiation  to the shoulder/jaw, or it may feel like c...

ADDRESSING ALTITUDE SICKNESS

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  Some  getaways   may be at high altitudes, which would present its own special problems. There are some special considerations when enjoying  high altitude . What is altitude sickness?    Altitude sickness is  a phenomenon  that is  commonly experienced at high altitudes. The air is thinner than at sea level. Shortness  of breath ,  headaches , nausea and vomiting  may all occur.     Learn more about:  Hyperthermia

UNDERSTANDING AORTIC RUPTURE / ANEURYSM

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                                 Aortic rupture   may occur as a result of  trauma. Shortness of breath ,  chest or upper back pain are some of the symptoms. Cardiac Tamponade may be caused by penetrating  trauma   such as a knife wound. Pericardiocentesis is usually done to remove the  blood   in the pericardial sac. Learn more, by clicking on the links below:  Nursing Fundamentals-Part3 The Circulatory System The heart is always at work.  Hemodynamic s refers to blood flow. Any  obstruction  to the flow of blood in and around t he heart , may lead to failure. WHAT IS THE AORTA?   The aorta is the largest  blood vessel  in the body. It is a very powerful artery and originates in the heart. The aorta carries  oxygenated blood . It works its way through  the chest  and abdomen,  then divides up to supply blood to th...

CARE PLANNING AND POTENTIAL PROBLEMS IN THE CLINICAL SETTING

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Scenario: Mark sustained a traumatic brain injury while surfing. He had an EVD (  external ventricular device ) inserted and ICP monitoring ordered by the doctor. His family members are very anxious as, no one has taken the time to explain what is happening. There is an obvious need for family education. Helpful info for the layperson Care planning: Below are some potential problems: - anxiety related to illness and lack of knowledge - infection related to EVD insertion -  neurological changes  related to brain injury - fever related to brain injury - pain related to injury - seizures related to brain injury * Always follow your MD orders and Institution's policies and procedures  Enjoy watching the video: Care planning Family teaching is also necessary Be safe and check information! A nurse who is new to the  clinical settin g, knows all too well it is a challenge. Typically, a combination of learning in the classroom and a clinical area is done. learn more: C...

DVT AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

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  Most people who anticipate taking a long plane  flight, may hardly stop to think about dehydration  and  its consequences.   Making sure adequate clothing is packed, arriving at the airport on time, and making sure pets or children are cared for, are just a few of the concerns  a traveler might have. Skipping a meal as a result of anxiety   may very readily happen. To further complicate matters, there are significant changes in time zones on a long flight   across the  globe. Someone who has been on a long flight and sitting for a considerable length of time, coupled with inadequate fluid intake, may be at risk for  DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) . It is worth noting , that taking the time to drink extra fluids before and during a long flight, will help prevent dehydration. Here are some diagnostic tests that are done frequently. Follow the links below: 1.  Chest X ray 2. CAT scan 3. EKG 4. MRI scan 5. Ultrasound 6. Echocar...

UNDERSTANDING AUTODIGESTION / PANCREATITIS

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  Above is a 35 year old female who has been having problems after a divorce. Alcohol ingestion in large quantities has become a way of coping . This is not a case study, but an example of how pancreatitis and autodigestion may come about.  ARDS may also result. Autodigestion Autodigestion is of significance in the patient  with pancreatitis. The pancreatic enzymes  consume the pancreas, setting up inflammation. Pancreatitis is defined as inflammation of the pancreas and may be acute or chronic. Alcohol ingestion in excess, trauma or tumors are some of the ways this may be acquired. Acute pancreatitis may resolve in a short period of time.Rest, IV therapy and pain medication are used in the treatment . Antibiotics like Imipenem may also be ordered by the doctor. Turner's sign is an indication of acute pancreatitis and is manifested as bruising around the flank. Learn more about these by reading the image. Related topic: Sessions 47- Organ Transplantation Have a go...

IV SITE ASSESSMENT AND CARE

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IV site care An intravenous infusion may be started in a peripheral site or a central line site . It is important for the nurse to recognize, that every effort should be made , to prevent an infection. Any redness or swelling , should be documented and addressed. Sometimes, a new IV site may be necessary, to prevent infection. Assessment and documentation of the condition of the site is also of paramount importance. Every institution has policies and procedures in place, for IV site care. Inservice education provides a platform for staff members  to be educated regarding a  safe  work environment. Each institution has  policies  and procedures in place that are demonstrated as needed , in order to maintain a  good standard  of care. Helpful Hints: - Handwashing is important in preventing the spread of infection - A full needle holder can become a source of contamination. Getting stuck with a dirty needle poses a  risk of infection . Preventing...