Posts

Showing posts from September, 2019

TRIAGE NURSE

Image
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

Image
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 video: Sessions 6

ABOUT BLOOD TRANSFUSION

Image
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

Image
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

Image
What can cause Congestive heart failure? The patient who has an anterior wall myocardial infarction may develop CHF. Because of the damage to the heart muscle, the heart has difficulty pumping blood. Fluid backs up into the  lungs and causes shortness of breath.  Learn more , by clicking on the link below: Cardiogenic shock

ABDOMINAL ASSESSMENT

Image
How is an abdominal assessment done? An abdominal assessment is done by : Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion and Palpation. Read more---

THE BRADEN SCALE

Image
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. Read more---

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Image
What does the immune system mean? The immune system is the one that works to protect the body from infections like bacteria or viruses. It works in unity with the lymphatic system. Learn more about the Immune System by watching the video:- The New Nurse - The Immune and Lymphatic Systems

ABG - WHAT IS IT ?

Image
An ABG ( Arterial blood gas) is a 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. Read more---

BRUDZINSKI'S AND KERNIG'S SIGNS

Image
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

Image
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

DIABETIC MISCONCEPTIONS

Image
What are some diabetic misconceptions? Some people do not believe that high blood sugar can affect vision. Some people believe it is okay to indulge in extra calories, then add extra Insulin. Others believe that "sugar free" means calorie free. Read more---

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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---