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Showing posts from September, 2019

TRIAGE NURSE

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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

AN OVERVIEW OF ANASARCA - QUIZ QUESTIONS

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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...

ABOUT BLOOD TRANSFUSION

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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. Learn more by clicking on the link : Simple facts about blood transfusion

BRAIN ASSESSMENT

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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---

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

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The  image above shows Mrs. R, who 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 and documents her findings.   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           obstruction will result in death of the heart muscle surrounding the blood vessel. What would the nurse expect to find in Congestive heart failure?     Typically , the patient in Congestive heart failure, will become          anxious, due to lack of oxygen. The damage...

ABDOMINAL ASSESSMENT

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                                                            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...

THE BRADEN SCALE

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What is the Braden Scale? 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. 

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

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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.

ABG - WHAT IS IT ?

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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!

BRUDZINSKI'S AND KERNIG'S SIGNS

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What do Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs imply? Both signs are significant for brain insult such as: Meningitis and SAH ( Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ). Pleases read the info on  image and learn more.

STROKE ASSESSMENT

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If your patient had a stroke, would you know what to look for? It goes without saying, that a stroke causes damage to the brain. The extent and location of the damage varies. Take a look at this image and enjoy learning what deficits will follow. Please click on the link 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.

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT

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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

SPINAL CORD ASSESSMENT

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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 AND BRAIN QUIZ

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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? 

PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT TRIANGLE

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What is the Pediatric Assessment Triangle? Pediatric Assessment Triangle is an assessment that is easy. It is based on appearance, breathing and circulation. What are some things the nurse can target in an assessment? History, GCS, nutritional status, number of wet diapers, fever, cough and more.

MAINTAINING A SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT

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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.

THE SPREAD OF INFECTION

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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

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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---