Posts

ADDRESSING ERCP AND CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Image
Scenario:  Pam has been admitted to the hospital with complaints of  abdominal pain  over a period of time. The doctor has decided to do an ERCP ( Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) for this questionable abdominal pain. This will be reflected in the  care plan. In the event of a diagnosis of gallbladder disease , a cholecystectomy may be ordered by the doctor. This is a surgical   procedure to remove the gallbladder. The organ is part of the digestive system . The gallbladder is responsible for storing bile, which is produced by the liver. Bile helps in the digestion of fats. The most common cause of gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) is gallstones. Sometimes, cancer may also be the cause of this problem. Sharp abdominal pain after ingestion of food, nausea and vomiting, are classic symptoms. Family teaching  is also necessary Preparation for ERCP (Cholangiopancreatography) Learn more:  What is an ERCP? In the image above , a patie...

UNDERSTANDING THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
  The Digestive System The Digestive System consists of a number of organs,  which begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. The  mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver , pancreas , gall bladder, small and large intestines , make up the digestive system. Food enters the mouth and is chewed ( mastication), saliva  is mixed with the food. This begins the digestive process. The boluses of food pass along the stomach with peristalsis ( muscular contractions that move food along the digestive  tract). In the stomach , food is broken down into a more liquid  state, with the help of gastric enzymes. The partly digested food, now makes its way to the small intestines. The pancreas , liver and gallbladder secrete enzymes which help to complete the digestive process, so nutrients can be absorbed into the blood stream and used as energy around the body. The waste products of digestion pass on to the large intestines or colon. The rectum receives the waste and it is release...

LIVER FAILURE AND PARACENTESIS / POTENTIAL PROBLEMS/ CARE PLANNING

Image
  Paracentesis In the image above , a patient is being examined by his doctor. He has an enlarged abdomen due to liver  failure. He is also experiencing shortness of breath . The patient in  liver   failure, may experience difficulty breathing. This is caused by an accumulation of peritoneal fluid in the abdominal   cavity. Paracentesis is done to remove excess fluid and make  breathing easier. The Care Plan would reflect the potential problems associated with this condition. This would include: - Respiratory problems related to ascites. -  Skin breakdown  related to  anasarca . - M ental confusion  related to liver toxins. -Decrease in  urinary output  related to liver failure. Learn more about : P otential problems and   Care planning and The Digestive System 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....

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK AND CRITICAL THINKING

Image
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 ...

ADDRESSING ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Image
  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

Image
                                 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...