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UNDERSTANDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF POOR CIRCULATION / QUIZ QUESTIONS

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  The consequences of poor circulation Poor circulation   may occur for a number of reasons. Any obstruction to the flow of blood may lead to conditions such as stroke,  heart failure , and or  renal failure  .The  diabetetic  patient is also at risk. What is a stroke? A stroke is also known as a brain attack. Identifying strokes and treatment A stroke may be hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding) or ischemic ( embolic ) caused by a clot or plaque in a blood vessel.  Bleeding  ( hemorrhagic) into the brain may be caused by  trauma  or rupture of a blood vessel due to high blood pressure. ICP monitorin g may be necessary for  the patient with a hemorrhagic stroke. In the case of an embolic stroke, a blood clot may obstruct the flow of blood in the brain. This will also affect oxygen to the brain. Embolic strokes are usually treated with drugs such as TPA ( Tissue Plasminogenic Activator). Antihypertensive drugs and anti-  seizure...

HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY - QUIZ QUESTIONS

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The Clinical setting step by step is no longer available. Liver failure may be acute or chronic. Causes include: certain drugs, alcohol abuse and certain chemicals . Hepatic Encephalopathy Hepatic Encephalopathy is a complication of liver failure. The damaged liver loses       the ability to remove ammonia and other toxic waste.These products build up in the           blood and can migrate to the brain, resulting in encephalopathy. Patients may become       confused , lethargic and even comatose.  Typically, Lactulose is ordered by the doctor,     to remove excess ammonia. ICP monitoring is sometimes done for the patient with  hepatic encephalopathy.                                                                      ...

THE NURSE'S CRITICAL THINKING/ PRECEPTOR ROLE

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  The critical thinking of a new nurse can be a challenge in the clinical setting . Knowing how to put the pieces of the puzzle  together can make this challenge easy. Here are some helpful hints: - Gather relevant information about history, diagnosis and treatment for the patients you are assigned to. - Familiarize yourself with the plan of care . - Delegate responsibilities to other staff members, if you are in charge. - Know your unit's policies and procedures. - Assess patient / family needs for social services. - Familiarize yourself with the medications the patient is receiving / its uses and side effects - If a blood transfusion is ordered, follow your Institution's policies and procedures for transfusion.    Helpful information for the clinical nurse     In the image above, Lynn is a new graduate who    is full of expectation. She arrives early on her new .  unit. But her hopes are shattered when her preceptor   suggested that...

THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM - QUIZ QUESTIONS

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The Circulatory System is made up of: The heart, lungs, capillaries, arteries, veins  and the lymphatic system.                   The Circulatory System The heart is a pump which supplies blood to all the body's cells. It is made of four chambers. The two upper chambers are the right and left atria. The two lower  chambers are the right and left ventricles.  The heart is a small organ that has a lot of work to do. If the heart fails, all the body's organs like the brain and kidneys as well as the body's tissues will be affected. An overview Deoxygenated  blood returns to the heart via the veins. The blood comes in through the right atrium via the Superior and Inferior vena cava. It is then pumped into the right ventricle.  The deoxygenated blood is pumped to the  lungs  via the Pulmonary Artery. Inside the lungs, the deoxygenated blood  is exchanged for oxygenated blood and is pumped  to lef...

COMMUNICATION SKILLS / PATIENT AND FAMILY TEACHING

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A skiing accident and admission to ICU In the image above, a skiing accident has occurred. The injured person  is admitted to the ICU. ICP monitoring has been set up. Family members have arrived and cannot make sense of what is happening. The staff members have not taken the time to explain what has taken place. When taking care of a patient who has experienced a traumatic event, the nurse should consider how to explain to the patient and family what is being done and if possible, get help from other staff members to help with communication . Helpful suggestion: The care plan   Patient and family education should always be included in the plan of care. The nurse is responsible for initiating and updating the care plan. 

WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR

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  Welcome to 2025 nurses!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

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  Dear nurses, I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy my video : Holiday Cheer if you can find the time.