Quiz me Nurse

                                Pneumothorax Scenario: A patient was involved in a car accident.  Trauma to the chest area, has resulted in a pneumothorax. He was also having difficulty breathing , so the medical team initiated CPR and placed an ETT ( endotracheal tube).  An AMBU bag is being used to deliver oxygen, while being transported to a healthcare facility.  Signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax: - shortness of breath - breath sounds are diminished on the affected side - tracheal deviation away from the side of the pneumothorax - distended neck veins - the heart may also become compressed Defining Pneumothorax   There are two lungs ( right and left) located in the chest cavity. There are two membranes that cover the lungs. The inner membrane is in direct contact with the lungs. The outer layer is in contact with the chest wall. There is serous fluid between these layers, as well as negative pressure in this space, known as the pleural space. If air enters this space and makes a

  Why is a pacemaker implanted? Pacemaker implantation may be done for different reasons. Any damage to the heart muscle, or the electrical conduction system, will interfere with the ability of the heart to function normally.This may be an indication for a pacemaker. Sick sinus syndrome (though rare) or myocardial infarction are examples. What are some symptoms of a dysfunctionl natural pacemaker? Patients who have dysfunction of their own natural pacemaker may experience dizziness, syncopal episodes (temporary loss of consciousness), chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a decrease in  blood pressure (hypotension).Learn more: Sessions 18 Why do these symptoms occur? These symptoms are due to a lack of blood flow to the body's organs. Notes for Nurses: - See the sample of an EKG above showing a pacemaker lead (wire) in the ventricle. There is normally a spike in front of the QRS. The spike may not appear if the pacemaker malfunctions. - Spikes in front of P and QRS mean

                                                                Atrial Fibrillation       Atrial fibrillation is a rapid , irregular arrhythmia. It is caused by the atria     ( upper heart chambers) beating rapidly and out of character. There is no P      wave on the EKG.     The SA ( sinoatrial node) is the pacemaker of the heart. When the SA      node fires, the atria contract simultaneously. This causes blood to be     pumped into the ventricles.    In Atrial fibrillation the atria beats rapidly and there are no real contractions.    The atria "quiver", but not contract.An irritable focus in the atria, seeks to do    the work of the SA node.This results in ineffective emptying of the atria.    Ultimately, the formation of blood clots may occur.           Causes of Atrial fibrillation include: COPD, anxiety, heart disease and more.      Symptoms include : chest pain, shortness of breath , palpitations and dizziness.    Beta blockers as well as calcium channel blockers are

The image below, demonstrates chest pain brought on by stress. Mrs. K has an overly demanding boss. Not only is she experiencing  chest pain related to stress, but her heart is having PVC's ( premature ventricular contractions), as reflected in the EKG. Chest pain may occur anywhere and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack , usually complains of chest pain.  Helpful hints: It is important to do a pain assessment on a scale of 1-10 and document findings. Chest pain may be sharp, severe and stabbing. It may also feel like pressure in the chest or  Like a pair of hands squeezing the chest. It is also of note, to ask the patient to describe the character and duration of the pain. Always remember to document all interventions. Follow your Institution's policies, procedures and MD orders for chest pain. Watch the video: Do you know your heart Simple EKG interpretation: The EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a noni

The Endocrine System The Endocrine System is made up of glands that secrete hormones. Hormones are necessary for regulating normal body functions.             The information provided on hormones and the endocrine system is intended to help the nurse understand this complex system.                               There are Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 , including quiz questions in each part.                                                    Learn more by watching the video: The Endocrine System                                                                                               Quiz questions  1. What is the purpose of the Endocrine System? 2. What do hormones do?                                     The pituitary gland        The pituitary gland is part of the endocrine system. It  is located    at the base of  the skull in an area known as the sella turcica.             The pituitary gland is described as pea - shaped and small.                             It is also known as "the

The Thyroid gland  The Thyroid gland is  described as the largest of the endocrine glands. It is situated in the front of the neck and is butterfly  shaped. It is controlled by the pituitary gland and secrets two important hormones: T3 and T4. Iodine is taken from the foods  we eat and used to produce its hormones. The hypothalamus produces ADH ( antidiuretic hormone).It is stored in the posterior pituitary gland. ADH plays a great role in the  amount of urine which is excreted by the kidneys.           Diabetes Insipidus ( DI) should not be confused with Diabetes Mellitus.        Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a lack of ADH ( antidiuretic hormone). Surgical intervention may cause this problem.                                 Patients  who develop DI, dump large quantities of dilute urine.       If left untreated , dehydration may occur.  DDAVP is used to correct                             the problem.  See above image for more helpful information.