Quiz me Nurse

In the image above, there are three different scenarios. 1) A patient is having complaints of chest pain . 2) A patient is having stroke symptoms. 3) A patient is being intubated for respiratory distress. What is the role of the Triage nurse?   The Triage nurse has the responsibility of prioritizing which patient is critical and needs immediate attention when working in the ER. Each scenario tells its own story. Enjoy watching the video: Triage nurse  for more information. In this Emergency Room scenario, a patient has been transported to the ER. Medical staff members are gathered around the bedside.   It takes "all hands on deck" to complete the work. It is important to recognize that classroom skills are different from  clinical skills . A nurse's performance in the work place takes on a different  challenge from the classroom. Trauma can sometimes be prevented!

The image above shows the clinical picture of the patient with Anasarca. Anasarca and its causes Anasarca, which is also known as generalised edema, may be caused by a number of conditions. These include: - Heart, renal or liver failure - Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia), burns - Corticosteroids and more The treatment is directed at the cause: - The patient in renal failure may require hemodialysis. - Liver failure may call for long and aggressive treatment.  Fluid restriction, diuretics, dietary changes (like sodium restriction),  and daily weights may be ordered by the doctor. - The patient with hypoalbuminemia will need IV albumin replacements. Lab values are also necessary, to monitor an  improvement in the albumin levels or sodium levels. Also enjoy watching the video: Sessions 46- Assessment QUIZ QUESTIONS 1) What is anasarca also known as? 2) Name some of the causes? 3) How is this condition treated? 4) What is hemodialysis? Please watch the vid...

What are the warning signs of a blood transfusion reaction? The nurse should always be aware of the warning signs of a blood transfusion reaction. These include chills, anxiety, flushing, itching , shortness of breath and chest pain.  A blood transfusion is being given to a patient in  the Operating Room. Learn more by clicking on the link : Simple facts about blood transfusion

What part of the brain is responsible for vision? The occipital lobe is responsible for vision. What area of the brain is responsible for distinguishing right from left? The parietal lobe is responsible and math calculation. Read more---

In CCU                      The image above shows Mrs. R, is admitted to the CCU with            complaints of chest pain . Her past medical  history includes              two heart attacks. She calls the nurse, as she is experiencing              extreme shortness of breath .The nurse does an assessment,             checks vital signs and applies oxygen, she documents her findings. ( See image)    The nurse notifies the doctor regarding Mrs.R's condition.   Following an examination, the doctor decides to run some         tests. The EKG shows an anterior wall myocardial infarction.   The cause of an anterior wall MI, is obstruction to the flow  of blood in the LAD  (left anterior descending) artery. This       obstruc...

                                                            Abdominal assessment  How is an abdominal assessment done? The image above, defines the way an abdominal assessment is done. The abdomen is usually divided into four quadrants. These are: Right and left upper quadrants / right and left lower quadrants. Inspection - is done by inspection of the abdomen for old scars or lumps. Also checking the abdomen to see if it is flat, rounded  or distended. Auscultation - is done by auscultation of the abdomen with the bell of the stethoscope.  Also taking note if bowel sounds are  present. Percussion - is done by using the middle finger of one hand to tap the finger of the hand on the abdomen. Assess for sounds like dullness. Palpation - is done by palpation of the abdomen for pulsations tenderness or if soft or firm...

What is the Braden Scale used for ? The Braden Scale is used for predicting pressure ulcers.These may develop in patients who are  confined  to bed for long periods of time. Turning ,  positioning  and good body alignment are ways in which this can be prevented.  Learn more: Can a stroke be prevented? The nurse is responsible for  documentation  of any  skin breakdown. An air mattress may be ordered by the doctor, to prevent this from happening .  Always follow your institution's policies for using this scale. In the above image, Mrs. had surgical intervention for a hip fracture. She will be confined to bed for some time. Preventing  pneumonia, DVT and skin breakdown will be included in the plan of care . Physical therapy will also be ordered by the doctor.

The image below, shows Sara and her mother in  the Pediatrician's office. Sara has an ear infection  which will be treated with antibiotics. The Immune System The immune system is the one that works to protec t the body from infections like bacteria or viruses. It works in unity  with the lymphatic system. Stress and the Immune system. Throughout the body , are lymph nodes, which work as filters and prevent infection.   Examples of lymph nodes,   are the  tonsils, adenoids , thymus gland, spleen, nodes in the armpit and groin. The white blood cells  (called  leukocytes) which are produced in the bone marrow, are also instrumental in fighting infection. Stress and the Immune System There are a number of ways in which stress can affect the immune system. Without a doubt, daily living, family life and job related stress present  challenges .  Above is a list of conditions that may trigger illness. Infection may spread in many ways. Cold...

Scenario : Ron has just arrived in the Emergency Room with complaints of  shortness of breath . The nurse does an assessment . The doctor examines Ron. He orders tests, which include an ABG and an EKG . What is an ABG? An ABG ( Arterial blood gas) is a blood test which is done to evaluate a patient's oxygenation, when respiratory problems exist. A heparinized syringe is used to draw blood from an artery, in order to do this test   (SEE ABOVE). The results of the ABG will give insight into a patient's oxygen levels and  other significant information. The results of the ABG will help the doctor to decide the course of treatment. Depending on the severity, mechanical  ventilation may be ordered by the doctor. Scenario 1 : A Code Blue is in progress. Scenario 2 : The nurse is not paying attention! Nursing Fundamentals

What do Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs imply? Both signs are significant for brain insult such as:Meningitis and SAH ( Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ).     Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs  are seen in patients who have Meningitis or  Subarachnoid hemorrhage. Brudzinski's sign  -When the examiner flexes  the  patient's neck , the knees and  hips flex at the  same  time. Kernig's sign  -  inability  to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed at a 90 degree angle. The hamstring muscles become very stiff.

If the patient in your care , had a stroke, would you know what to look for?  A stroke causes damage to the brain. The extent and  location of the damage varies.  The image below, shows the  deficits which  could follow. Please click on the links for  more helpful information:  Brain assessment                                                 Cranial nerves What is hemianopia? Hemianopia is a loss of vision (blindness) in half of the visual  field.  This may occur in one or both eyes. What causes hemianopia? Trauma, tumors, and strokes may cause this condition.       Stroke symptoms Ann is an opera singer. She is experiencing stroke  symptoms while on stage.

When doing a chest pain assessment, what are some of the signs the nurse should be aware of ? Chest pain may sometimes feel like pressure or heaviness in the chest, or it may feel like an extra pair of hands squeezing the chest. Chest pain may also radiate to the jaw and shoulders.  Learn more by clicking on the links below: Chest pain for the layperson Chest pain assessment and quiz

What is the vertebral column made of ?   The  vertebral column is made up of : 7 cervical , 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral and  4 coccyx [which are fused together] vertebrae. Documentation and assessment of paralysis is a nursing responsibility.  To learn more about spinal cord injury and assessment, please click on the link: Defining dermatomes

THE HUMAN BRAIN The human brain is made up of two cerebral hemispheres (right and left). Each hemisphere has 4 lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain where motor activity and judgement takes place. The temporal lobe is responsible for hearing and memory. The corpus callosum is a bridge that joins both hemispheres together. They are nerve cells that originate in the brain and transmit information all over the body.  The occipital lobe is responsible for vision. The parietal lobe is responsible for distinguishing  right from left and math calculation .  QUIZ QUESTIONS  1) How many hemispheres does the human brain have? 2) What are the four brain lobes? 3) What is each lobe responsible for? 4) What is the corpus callosum? 5) What are neurons? 

The neonate ( newborn )        Immediately following birth, armbands  are placed on both mother and baby.  A physical assessment is done and the baby's vital               signs, birth weight, length, head and chest circumference are all documented. Dearnurses.org is no  longer available. Pediatric Assessment Triangle Pediatric Assessment Triangle is an assessment tool that is easy and is done without the use of any major equipment . It is based on appearance, breathing  and circulation. Pediatric assessment Here are some hints when an assessment is done: - Record history from parent or guardian - Document GCS ,  - check nutritional status and signs of dehydration ( sunken fontanels)  - number of wet diapers in 24 hours - check immunization status and any fever, cough                            Dehydration In infants and small ch...

What methods can be used to maintain a safe work environment? Maintaining a safe work environment is of paramount importance. Education of staff, the correct use of gloves, hand washing,  proper disposal of needles and IV fluids, will all help in creating a safe work environment.

How does infection spread? Infection may spread in many ways. Colds and flu's result from a weakened Immune system . The handling of food and poor hand washing techniques may encourage the spread of infection. Learn more: Infection

What causes depression? Depression may be brought on by a number of different situations. Generally feelings of hopelessness, the loss of a loved one. major illness and more may lead to depression. What about suicide ideation? This may affect people of all different age groups. It may very readily follow depression. Read more---