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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. Echocard...

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...

PAIN SCALE ASSESSMENT / MEDICATION ERRORS IN THE CLINICAL SETTING

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  The Numerical Pain Scale is a useful tool when assessing pain. It is based on a scale of 0-10. A ladder starts from the ground and escalates to| the highest point, so does pain start from 0-10. It is important to do a pain assessment after pain medication has been given. See image for more information. Scenario : In the above image, a patient was brought into the   Emergency room with complaints of  chest pain  and a drop in   blood pressure. The doctor ordered Morphine for the pain and    Dopamine for the  hypotension.  Both medications were given      as ordered. The nurse in the green top (left) gave the Morphine and started the Dopamine infusion. Next  : What  went wrong ? The nurse forgot to put a label on the  IV bag and did not document what time both medications were   given. It is very  important  for the nurse to pay  close attention  to the time that medicatio...

RECOGNIZING STOKE AND ITS PREVENTION

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  Scenario : In the image above, Ann is an opera singer. While on stage, she suddenly starts having trouble getting her words out. Her right arm also feels weak. These symptoms are classic of someone experiencing a stroke. Signs and stroke  symptom s: - sudden ,  severe headache - slurred speech, mental confusion -  nausea  and vomiting -  visual disturbances ,  hearing loss - facial weakness -  weakness  in arm or leg on one side A CAT scan or  MRI  or both may be done to  confirm  diagnosis. Scenario : In the image a waitress is busy at work.  She suddenly develops stroke symptoms.  What is a stroke ? A  stroke  is also known as a brain attack. It may be hemorrhagic ( caused by bleeding) or ischemic ( embolic), caused by a clot  or plaque. Can a stroke be prevented? It is suggested that a stroke can be prevented. People who smoke frequently, eat a diet rich in cholesterol foods and do not exerci...

UNDERSTANDING THE HEART'S ELECTRICAL CONDUCTION SYSTEM - QUIZ QUESTIONS

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The Electrical Conduction System of the heart The SA   (sinoatrial) node is the pacemaker of the  heart and is part of the electrical conduction system. It is located in the upper part of the right atrium. When the SA node fires, the right and left atria contract simultaneously and  blood is forced into the right and left ventricles. The electrical stimulus then travels to the AV ( atrio- ventricular) node which is located in the lower part  of the right atrium. The AV node fires, causing the  right and left ventricles to contract simultaneously.   Scenario : Jim was admitted to the medical floor, with complaints of  abdominal pain.  The nurse arrives at his bedside and finds him unresponsive. She presses the code button, to alert the code team. She then begins CPR. What does CPR mean?  CPR  means Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When the heart stops beating and there is no circulation of blood throughout the body, CPR is initiated. ...

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...